The Jewish Theological Seminary Presented President Isaac Herzog with Honorary Degree in Jerusalem

August 12, 2026–New York, NY–The Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) formally presented President Isaac Herzog of Israel with the honorary degree conferred upon him during JTS’s May 2026 Commencement ceremony. The presentation took place at a special gathering at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem.

Chancellor Emerita Shuly Rubin Schwartz formally presented President Herzog with the honorary degree certificate in Jerusalem on August 12, after President Herzog was unable to attend JTS’s May 2026 Commencement ceremony in person in New York. The gathering provided an opportunity to celebrate this honor while bringing together leaders of JTS and the Conservative/Masorti movement to recognize President Herzog’s leadership and his enduring commitment to the Jewish people and the State of Israel.

“The conferral of an honorary degree from the distinguished institution of JTS in New York upon the President of the State of Israel at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem is not only a great honor for me but also an occasion that is in its very essence a bridge between parallel and complementary worlds. It sends a message from Jerusalem that we — on both sides of the ocean — are inseparable. We are one,” said President Isaac Herzog. “My deepest gratitude goes to all of you at JTS. May we all continue to build together this wondrous chain of the Jewish people, a chain connecting tradition to scholarship, Judaism to the wider world, Israel to the Diaspora, and the past to the future.”

“I am thrilled that Chancellor Emerita Shuly Rubin Schwartz had the opportunity to formally present President Herzog with this honorary degree in Israel,” said Chancellor Rabbi Mike Uram. “The relationship between JTS and the State of Israel is deep and enduring, and we are honored to recognize President Herzog’s extraordinary leadership and lifelong commitment to the Jewish people. We are also extremely proud to welcome President Herzog into the distinguished community of JTS honorary degree recipients.”

The Hebrew language ceremony was emceed by JTS alumna Naomi Bloom Wurtman, a Jerusalem-based Jewish cultural professional and Project Coordinator for Gesher L’Europa at the National Library of Israel. Through her work, she helps connect the National Library with Jewish communities and cultural institutions around the world.

Featured speakers included Professor Ed Greenstein, Dr. Beverly Gribetz, JTS rabbinical student Chris Penello, and Chancellor Emerita Shuly Rubin Schwartz, who reflected on President Herzog’s deep reverence for Jewish scholarship and leadership. In her remarks, she spoke about the values they share, many of which were instilled by their families. Distinguished members of the JTS community and leaders of the Conservative/Masorti movement joined the celebration.

A highlight of the ceremony was a communal rendition of Sim Shalom, led by Cantor Jack Chomsky. He led the prayer using a melody composed by his teacher, Hazzan Max Wohlberg z”l, the influential cantor, composer, scholar, and longtime JTS faculty member who helped establish JTS’s cantorial school.

During JTS’s May 2026 Commencement ceremony, President Herzog received an honorary degree and delivered the Commencement address virtually. This gathering marked the formal, in-person presentation of that honor.

Learn more about JTS’s 2026 Commencement ceremony here.

Photos by Mayaan Toaf / GPO