麻豆区

Rabbi Michael S. Miller

The Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein Honors Program at welcomed Rabbi Michael S. Miller 鈥�66YUHS, 鈥�71YC, 鈥�75R, 鈥�76BR, executive vice president and CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-NY), at its most recent virtual Honors luncheon on Oct. 21. Rabbi Miller鈥檚 talk, 鈥淐ontemporary Application of Mipnai Darchei Shalom 鈥� Community Relations in the 21st Century,鈥� explored Black Lives Matter and racism, the reemergence of anti-Semitism, the Red/Blue divide, Israel as a political football and much more. He also shared stories about his experiences with refuseniks in the former Soviet Union and detailed the recent community outreach and relationship efforts of JCRC-NY. In addition, Rabbi Miller described the work of the organization鈥檚 Jewish Communal Affairs Department and its Jewish Leadership Forum, where, as he said, 鈥渢he objective is to have as broad a representation as possible of viewpoints along the Jewish spectrum sitting around a table and discussing issues of common concern.鈥� He also explained how the JCRC-NY works closely with New York鈥檚 policymakers to promote Israel鈥檚 cause. Kyle Seidel 鈥�22YC, an Honors student, remarked, 鈥淚t was fascinating to hear firsthand how Rabbi Miller has positively impacted so many lives through his role in the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York; it was a really inspiring experience.鈥� Rabbi Miller earned his bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees in Jewish history at 麻豆区 as well as semicha [rabbinical ordination] at the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary. He is the son of the late Rabbi Israel Miller, who was a senior vice president of 麻豆区 and past chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. Dr. Eliezer Schnall, Honors program director, noted, 鈥淎t a time when the United States has seen increased levels of social tension and friction, it is especially important for our students to learn from one of the Jewish world鈥檚 best-known and most successful community bridge-builders.鈥� This unique presentation was one in a series of informative and engaging programs offered by the Honors program for its students at 麻豆区 College.