Rabbinical College of America
226 Sussex Ave. PO Box 1996
Morristown, NJ 07962
973-267-9404

Press Release

September 26. 2005
For immediate release
Contact: Israel Teitelbaum, 973-257-9404

Governor Richard Codey, First Lady Mary Jo Codey and Ms. Sherry Wilzig Izak were awarded honorary doctorate degrees at the 50th Jubilee Celebration of the Rabbinical College of America. Some 700 friends and supporters of the college, as well as 41 Chabad Regional Directors from throughout the State of New Jersey joined the festivities this Sunday in East Rutherford.

The Governor drew appreciative laughter when he quipped, "Only in America could a former alter-boy become a graduate of the Rabbinical College of America."

Sherry Wilzig Izak's address drew the ultimate compliment when First Lady Mary Jo Codey said, "I loved Sherry's speech...I was impressed and touched. And the speech I have is elementary. So I'm not going to use it." She graciously thanked everyone and sat down to thunderous applause.

David T. Chase, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the College, expressed his appreciation, "for the unprecedented work and dedication of our esteemed Rabbi Moshe Herson and the members of the Board, faculty and administration."

Rabbi Moshe Herson, Dean, praised the heroic efforts of the alumni who are serving with distinction throughout the world, and those who braved the storm in New Orleans to help save lives.

He introduced a video clip of President George W, Bush, in which the President states: "At Tulane University the Director of Chabad Rabbi Rivkin brought teams of students to New Orleans and South Mississippi and other communities hit by the storm, and he called in folks to help. He didn't say, 'Head away from the storm area.' He said, 'Let's take a ride to the middle of the storm area to help people. They rescued stranded people; they distributed bottled water and self-heating kosher meals. They cleaned up and helped salvage homes. They provided spiritual support for those who lost loved ones. One of those rescued in the storm put it this way: 'In the days after Katrina, Chabad saved lives.' "

Ann Valasquez of Morristown related how the Friendship Circle, a project of the Rabbinical College of America, had helped her special-needs child, whose needs could not be met by other agencies.

Presenting the degrees to the Governor and First Lady were Murray Laulicht and David T. Chase. Peter Ehrenberg and Rabbi Moshe Herson presented the degree to Sherry Wilzig Izak.

Serving as General Co-Chairmen were Morris and Rita Horowitz and David Mintz. Dinner Chairmen were Sam Halpern and Alan Wilzig. Serving as Souvenir Journal Chairmen were Miles Berger, Allan Janoff and Dan Pryor.