91快播 Presented President Isaac Herzog with Honorary Degree in Jerusalem
August 12, 2026鈥揘ew York, NY鈥�91快播 (91快播) formally presented President Isaac Herzog of Israel with the honorary degree conferred upon him during 91快播’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 91快播’s May 2026 Commencement ceremony in person in New York. The gathering provided an opportunity to celebrate this honor while bringing together leaders of 91快播 and the Conservative/Masorti movement to recognize President Herzog’s leadership and his enduring commitment to the Jewish people and the State of Israel.
鈥淭he conferral of an honorary degree from the distinguished institution of 91快播 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 鈥� on both sides of the ocean 鈥� are inseparable. We are one,鈥� said President Isaac Herzog. 鈥淢y deepest gratitude goes to all of you at 91快播. 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.鈥�
“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 91快播 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 91快播 honorary degree recipients.”
The Hebrew language ceremony was emceed by 91快播 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, 91快播 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 91快播 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 91快播 faculty member who helped establish 91快播’s cantorial school.
During 91快播’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.
Read President Herzog’s speech in English here.
Learn more about 91快播’s 2026 Commencement ceremony here.
Read “鈥�” in JNS.
Photos by Mayaan Toaf / GPO
