Newly-ordained rabbi Yedidya  Rausman receives his semicha certificate from Rabbi Shlomo Riskin (center) and Rabbi Shuki Reich, head of the David Falk Kollel.

In a festive graduation season that began on May 27 with a Chag Hasemicha – an ordination ceremony for the newest rabbis from the Joseph and Gwendolyn Straus Seminary – and continued through the final commencement programs on July 18, Ohr Torah Stone concluded the academic year by extending blessings of success to its graduates as they embark upon new endeavors in Jewish communities around the world.

“Being a rabbi is different from all other professions,” asserted Rabbi Chaim Brovender, rosh yeshiva of the Joseph and Gwendolyn Straus Rabbinical Seminary, in an emotional address to his newly-ordained students. “People hold rabbis to a higher standard than other professionals. It’s not enough for a rabbi to be knowledgeable and well organized. You must also strive to set a personal example in your daily behavior and outlook.” With these parting words, Rabbi Brovender charged the young rabbis with the mission of spreading the message of Jewish values to the world at large while maintaining high moral ground. Reminding them that learning Torah is the greatest gift, he assured them that continued study would help guide them and develop their personalities.

At the ceremony, the graduates were offered words of guidance from several of the figures who have led them through their rigorous studies over the course of the past four years. OTS founder and Chancellor Rabbi Shlomo Riskin, added a blessing: “Today is a rite of passage; a day you’ve looked forward to and worked hard for. It represents not only the earning of a degree, but also your life. I pray that the anticipation and excitement you have toward today will continue to carry you in the future. May your idealism and motivation never leave you.” Rabbi Riskin added that, after 44 years in the profession, he still believes that being a rabbi is a blessing because it enables one to remain immersed in the world of Torah. “In addition to all the other responsibilities and activities involved in your work, you have the opportunity to constantly learn and grow,” he said. “This will give you satisfaction and makes all the frustrations you will inevitably encounter worthwhile.”

The Potential to Change the World

OTS teacher and rabbi Yitzchak Blau, who served as master of ceremonies, encouraged the graduates to learn from the example of each speaker he introduced, citing Rabbi Brovender’s pioneering ability to fill generational and educational needs, Rabbi Riskin’s vision and optimism, Rabbi Menachem Schrader’s constant search for new learning experiences, and Rabbi Shuki Reich’s unreserved love of Torah. Rabbi Reich, director of the Seminary’s David Falk Kollel, additionally reminded the young men to keep their feet on the ground. “Humility is a very important trait for a rabbi,” he emphasized. “Always remember that you are emissaries fulfilling a mission on behalf of the Jewish people.”

Guest speaker Rabbi Daniel Tropper, founder and director of the Gesher organization, which promotes understanding between religious and secular Israelis, also stressed the commitment involved in being a spiritual leader. “Being a rabbi is not merely a job,” he said, “it is a responsibility.” Tropper emphasized that the rabbinate must maintain relevance to the reality of each generation. He charged the new graduates, many of whom are finalizing their placements in Diaspora communities, with the courage and wisdom necessary to take risks and chance failure in order to succeed. “Ultimately,” he concluded, “Every one of you has the potential to change the world.”

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