JTS Mourns the Passing of Rabbinical School Alum and Past CPE Honoree Rabbi Dr. Alvin Kass z”l

With deep sadness, we mourn the passing of Rabbi Dr. Alvin Kass z”l, a beloved graduate of Seminary College (1957) and the Rabbinical School (1962). 

After ordination, he began his rabbinic career as a chaplain in the U.S. Air Force, enlisting in 1962 and serving for two years. Following his military service, he went on to lead the congregation of the Astoria Center of Israel in Astoria, Queens, until 1978. He then served as the rabbi at the East Midwood Jewish Center in Brooklyn, where he led the congregation for 36 years. In 1966, he was appointed to the New York City Police Department (NYPD), making him the most tenured chaplain in the NYPD, the department’s oldest member, and its longest serving at the time of his death. Throughout his many years of service, he provided counsel and spiritual guidance to officers of all ranks in the NYPD. In addition to these roles, he was an educator and lecturer and taught at multiple educational institutions such as Columbia University, Long Island University, and the John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

Last spring, we were delighted to welcome Rabbi Dr. Kass and his family, colleagues, and friends to JTS as we honored him with the “Pastoral Care Leadership Award” during a special luncheon ceremony at the annual Center for Pastoral Education fundraiser. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, former congregants from Queens and Brooklyn, and supporters of JTS’s Center for Pastoral Education filled JTS’s dining room to honor the revered chaplain. During the event, Rabbi Dr. Kass spoke and noted that he had a “tremendous sense of thanksgiving and nostalgia” and shared his profound pride and respect for the New York Police Department and its officers. 

Watch a recording of the luncheon here.

Chancellor Emeritus Schorsch, who attended Rabbinical School at the same time as Kass, said this about his friend and colleague, “I am so saddened by the news. Just months ago, JTS honored him in a luncheon that brought out half the NYC police force. I lament the passing of my brilliant Seminary classmate, steadfast man of faith, and heroic public servant.”

Chancellor Schwartz, who also had a close relationship with Rabbi Dr. Kass, shared her thoughts: “I am heartbroken to hear this news. Rabbi Kass honored JTS every day through his sacred work as a chaplain of the NYPD, rabbi, friend, and family member.” At the CPE luncheon, Chancellor Schwartz shared a heartfelt remembrance of Alvin and his beloved wife, Miryom z”l, reflecting on their deep connection to JTS and the way Alvin’s face would light up with pride and love whenever Miryom was in the spotlight.

At the recent luncheon, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch called Rabbi Kass the NYPD’s “spiritual heart—a source of strength, guidance, and faith for generations of police officers and their families.” Tisch offered personal remarks about her relationship with Rabbi Dr. Kass and called it “a real privilege.” Her full statement on Kass’s death is below:

“I am deeply saddened to share the passing of Rabbi Alvin Kass, our Chief Chaplain, and one of the longest-serving members of the New York City Police Department. Rabbi Kass joined the NYPD in 1966, at the age of 30, becoming the youngest chaplain in the Department’s history. Nearly six decades later, he remained its spiritual heart—a source of strength, guidance, and faith for generations of police officers and their families. A U.S. Air Force veteran and Columbia graduate, Rabbi Kass devoted his life to service, to this city, and to the women and men of the NYPD. He comforted the grieving, counseled the troubled, and reminded all of us of the deeper purpose in what we do. He was among the first to respond after 9/11, consoling the families of the 23 officers we lost that day. And for more than half a century, he stood beside our members through moments of tragedy and triumph alike. At every Police Academy graduation, Rabbi Kass offered his familiar blessing—a prayer that New York be ‘a place where people of every race, religion, color, and creed can pursue their individual destinies untrammeled, unafraid, and in obedience to Thy will.’ Today, that prayer belongs to all of us. And as we carry his words forward, we know he will still be watching over the city and the Department he loved. His loss is immeasurable. His example is everlasting. May his memory be a blessing.”

Baruch Dayan Ha’emet.