Young Israel Hosts Another Successful “Gabbai2Gabbai” Program

On July 7, 2014, the National Council of Young Israel (NCYI) hosted another informational program in conjunction with its “Gabbai2Gabbai” initiative. As part of its continuing vision to inspire and enable synagogue leadership, the National Council of Young Israel created “Gabbai2Gabbai,” a forum for professional development for the synagogue’s unsung heroes – the gabbaim.

The monthly conference call with gabbaim from across the United States addresses important issues and challenges that synagogue gabbaim face on a regular basis. Gabbaim from both Young Israel branch synagogues and non-Young Israel synagogues are invited and encouraged to participate in the monthly conference call.

This month’s call featured Rabbi Daniel Feldman, who presented on the topic of “The Kaddish.” As part of his presentation, which was enjoyed by dozens of gabbaim around the country, Rabbi Feldman explained the sources for different kaddashim, when they should be said, and by whom.

Rabbi Feldman is a Rosh Yeshiva at the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary at Yeshiva University, as well as an instructor in the Sy Syms School of Business, and serves as the Executive Editor of the RIETS initiative of YU Press. He is an alumnus of Yeshivat Kerem B’Yavneh and received his ordination (Yoreh Yoreh and Yadin Yadin) from the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary, where he was a fellow of the Bella and Harry Wexner Kollel Elyon.

Rabbi Feldman is the spiritual leader of Ohr Saadya of Teaneck, NJ, where he resides with his wife, Leah, and their children.

“Gabbaim are first responders in synagogue service and in many shuls they act as ambassadors, greeting and welcoming the shul membership with a smile,” said Young Israel’s Director of Rabbinic Services Rabbi Binyamin Hammer. “Inviting the gabbaim to these conferences helps them be better prepared for their role and adds a dimension of professional training in accordance with halacha to their important work.”

Sponsorships are available for the next Gabbai2Gabbai call for $54 to honor a loved one, in commemoration of a yahrtzeit, or in honor of your shul. Email [email protected] for more information.

For more information about the Gabbai2Gabbai initiative, contact Rabbi Binyamin Hammer at 212-929-1525 x104 or via email at [email protected].

{Matzav.com Newscenter}