Testimonials

This year will mark twenty years since I received smicha from the Rabbinical Seminary International. Over the course of those years, I have been privileged and blessed to have been able to serve the Jewish community in the Greater New York area in every rabbinical capacity. The RSI’s unique modern rabbi formation program encourages each candidate to develop their own personal strengths and skills while honoring their individual approach and outlook to Jewish tradition.

I am thankful to Rabbi Joseph Gelberman, of blessed memory, and his foresight in organizing the Rabbinical Seminary International, for the opportunity of touching the lives of hundreds of Jews in so many ways.

Rabbi Frank A. Tamburello
RSI Class of 2004


Attending Rabbinical Seminary International truly changed my life. When I decided to enter the rabbinate, I knew that I needed a rabbinical program that could meet my specific needs. Rabbinical Seminary International was that home for me; and the wonderful Rabbis that serve as guides and mentors truly gave me the confidence to excel. I am now the Rabbi/Cantor of a wonderful Reform congregation, and none of this would have been possible without this unique and amazing program. I would recommend RSI to anyone.

Rabbi Joshua Gray- Rabbi/Cantor Temple Isaiah, Stony Brook, NY
RSI Class of 2021


Rabbinical Seminary International was an enriching and transformative experience. The depth of knowledge imparted by the esteemed faculty, coupled with the nurturing environment, fostered not only my intellectual growth but also my spiritual journey. The curriculum was comprehensive, covering both traditional texts and contemporary issues, providing a well-rounded education that prepared me for a life of service and leadership. The supportive community of peers and mentors created a space where I felt encouraged to explore and deepen my understanding of Judaism. Overall, my time at Rabbinical Seminary International was instrumental in shaping me into the compassionate, knowledgeable, and dedicated individual I am today.

Rabbi Chai Respes
RSI Class of 2023


I am so thankful for having met Rabbi Joseph Gelberman and being invited to attend The Rabbinical Seminary International. As a modern chassid, Rabbi Gelberman designed this amazing program that allows students to study and complete assignments at their own pace as well as pursue varied subject matter according to one’s own interests and passions. I found the required reading enlightening as it presented a broad view of Judaism, while the written work was helpful in allowing me to tease out my personal views and spiritual experiences. The program's independent study encouraged me to “dig deep” spiritually and develop my own rabbinical style. I’m also very grateful for the invaluable support, mentorship, and friendship of Rabbi Roger Ross, Rabbi Jill Hausman, and Rabbi Stuart Paris.

Rabbi Scott Matous
RSI Class of 2009


I was fortunate, through the years, to be the recipient of Torah given over by The Three Giants who opened up New Gates of Wisdom, Spirituality and Understanding for our times; Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, and through his Talmidim (students), Rabbi Joseph H. Gelberman. All of Blessed Memory. I’m filled with gratitude to and for Rabbis Roger Ross, Jill Hausman, Mary J. Newman and William Kurry (z’l) at Rabbinical Seminary International, for seeing and supporting multi-perspective me, through my journey to becoming Clergy. I feel privileged and blessed to have been ordained by these heavenly, brilliant, kind, and committed souls.

Rabbi Donna Friedman
RSI Class of 2015


I absolutely loved the Smicha program from RSI! I knew I was meant to be a Rabbi since childhood, but when looking for rabbinical schools, I just never found the right fit for me. They either were too expensive, or too this or too that, or not the right style Judaism. The institutionalized rabbinical track always rubbed me the wrong way. After all, my Judaism is so complicated and diverse and I’m not a one shoe fits all kind of Jew! RSI allowed me to bloom into a Rabbi of my own style, while remaining true to tradition in its foundational teachings, and equipping me with the skills I wanted. I found that the program at RSI allowed be to bloom into not just a Rabbi, but a Rabbi who is not tied to any movement in particular, just simple pure Judaism, allowing me to express and nurture as my heart felt, for my and my community's calling and needs.

Rabbi Daniel Getz
RSI Class of 2015


RSI encouraged my heart to soar. Each assignment allowed me to look within and make deeper connections to Judaism and the themes of my life. There were lifelong circles that spiraled and returned me to myself, reflecting and shining light on my purpose. The wonderful rabbis in clear, simple responses reassured me of my strengths and gifts, the ones I knew I had and use to nurture myself, the Jewish community and beyond. It felt like one big hug.

Rabbi Yonina A Foster, Ph.D.
Jewish Community Support Specialist, Jewish Family Services of Western New York
RSI Class of 2023