Rabbi Michael S. Miller

The Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein Honors Program at Yeshiva College welcomed Rabbi Michael S. Miller ’66YUHS, ’71YC, ’75R, ’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’s talk, “Contemporary Application of Mipnai Darchei Shalom – Community Relations in the 21st Century,” 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’s Jewish Communal Affairs Department and its Jewish Leadership Forum, where, as he said, “the 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.” He also explained how the JCRC-NY works closely with New York’s policymakers to promote Israel’s cause. Kyle Seidel ’22YC, an Honors student, remarked, “It 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.” Rabbi Miller earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Jewish history at Yeshiva University 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 Yeshiva University and past chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. Dr. Eliezer Schnall, Honors program director, noted, “At 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’s best-known and most successful community bridge-builders.” This unique presentation was one in a series of informative and engaging programs offered by the Honors program for its students at Yeshiva College.