Rabbi Dov Linzer to head YCT Rabbinical School

September 2018, Riverdale, NY: Yeshivat Chovevei Torah [YCT] Rabbinical School is delighted to announce that beginning this academic year, Rabbi Dov Linzer will head YCT, taking on the public leadership of the yeshiva, while retaining the title, role, and responsibilities of Rosh HaYeshiva.

Rabbi Linzer, Norman and Tova Bulow Rosh HaYeshiva, has served with distinction as the Rosh HaYeshiva of YCT since its inception nearly two decades ago, providing scholarly and sensitive religious and Torah guidance to the yeshiva’s students and its 125 rabbis in the field, so that they may best lead, teach, and inspire the Jewish people.

“Rabbi Dov Linzer embodies first-rate Talmudic scholarship fully engaged with addressing the critical challenges confronting 21^st century Jews committed to the values both of Jewish halakhic tradition and of modern ethics and democracy. His assumption of the leadership of Yeshivat Chovevei Torah promises to revitalize Modern Orthodoxy, to the benefit of the entire Jewish people.” said Dr. Steven Bayme, AJC Director of Contemporary Jewish Life.

Other rabbinic and community leaders echoed this sentiment.  Speaking from Israel, Rav Benny Lau said, “The community needs spiritual guidance that will give it the confidence that a life of Torah can live fully together with modernity, and that the two can be nourished by one another.  Rabbi Linzer is a leader who knows how to navigate this ship and sail it to safety.”  Dr. Giti Bendheim added, “Rabbi Linzer is a sophisticated and brilliant talmid chacham… who courageously takes on the complexities of the world we live in.”

“Torah and Halakha are the center of our lives and must always serve as our guideposts and inspiration. It is with this focus that I intend to lead YCT.” said Rabbi Linzer. “Chovevei Torah has always been animated by the principle of ohev et ha’briyot u’mekarvan la’Torah, love all people and bring them close to the Torah. The Torah that Klal Yisrael thirsts for is one that is deep and learned, and at the same time uplifting and resonant. People need Gemara and Halakha to come out of the beit midrash and speak to the fullness and complexities of their lives. They are looking for rabbis who are relatable and accessible and who can show that a life built on Torah and mitzvot can be expansive, filled with meaning, optimism and joy.”

Joining Rabbi Linzer on the leadership team is Ruthie Strosberg Simon, newly appointed Executive Director. Ruthie has been with the yeshiva since 2004, most recently as Director of Placement and Alumni Affairs.

“We are so excited for this new year, with our stellar faculty, strong incoming class, and a host of new partnerships and initiatives,” Ms. Strosberg Simon said. “Placing YCT musmakhim and seeing the way that they breathe life into Jewish communities across North America and around the world, has made it obvious to me that YCT is the Jewish future.”