The Center for Pastoral Education Benefit Luncheon Honoring Rabbi Dr. Alvin Kass

Last week the Center for Pastoral Education honored JTS alum Rabbi Dr. Alvin Kass with the “Pastoral Care Leadership Award” during a special luncheon ceremony. Colleagues from the NYPD, including New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, former congregants from Queens and Brooklyn, family, friends, and supporters of JTS’s Center for Pastoral Education, filled JTS’s dining room to honor Chief Chaplain Rabbi Dr. Kass, who was appointed to the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in 1966, making him the most tenured chaplain in the NYPD. Watch a recording of the luncheon here.

Throughout the ceremony, guests heard from the President of the NYPD Shomrim Society, Lt. Benjamin Gelber, Chancellor Shuly Rubin Schwartz, Rabbi Naomi Kalish, and CPE Advisory Board Members Pat Fingeroth and Arline Duker. Commissioner Tisch offered personal remarks about her relationship to Chaplain Rabbi Dr. Kass and called it “a real privilege to be here today, especially to honor someone who has been a steady, comforting presence in the NYPD for nearly 6 decades.”

Rabbi Dr. Kass accepted the award with a “tremendous sense of thanksgiving and nostalgia” and spoke from the heart about his profound pride and respect for the New York Police Department and its officers. The impact of his life’s work was felt deeply both by all those in the room and those that could not attend.

Attendees were also fortunate to hear a panel discussion with students in the MA in Spiritual Care and Counseling program. During the discussion led by Dr. Lisa Springer, three students shared their backgrounds and experiences, and spoke about the intense and close connections they have made through the program.

For 57 years, Chief Chaplain Kass’ counsel and spiritual guidance have been invaluable to officers of all ranks and to the communities they serve. What a blessing to be able to celebrate his life-saving work.

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The Center for Pastoral Education provides seminarians, clergy, and professionals with intensive
training in hospice rooms, nursing homes, prisons, and congregational settings, supported by expert supervision. Our renowned Association for Clinical Pastoral Education accredited program equips participants to respond to the need for pastoral care with a unique combination of psychological principles and Jewish wisdom enriched by multi-faith engagement.