NEW YORK — Yeshiva University, the nation’s flagship Jewish university, announced that its President, Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman will deliver the Benediction at the 60th U.S. presidential inauguration of Donald Trump on the steps of the Capitol in Washington D.C. on January 20th.
Rabbi Berman’s blessing, immediately following President Trump’s inaugural address, will call for the nation to rise to this historic moment and unite around America’s foundational values as a source for realizing our shared dreams of a prosperous, compassionate country led by faith and trust in God. Rabbi Berman is the first American-Israeli to deliver remarks at a presidential inauguration, during which he will also pray for the wellbeing and safe return of the hostages who remain captive in Gaza.
Notably, at a time of great disruption on college campuses, Rabbi Berman will be the only university president delivering remarks during the ceremony and will speak to the aspirations of faith based and values driven universities across the nation.
Rabbi Berman said, “On behalf of Yeshiva University I am deeply honored to have been asked to deliver the Benediction at this momentous time. As I prepare my remarks, I am inspired by the words of the prophet Jeremiah, who thousands of years ago walked through the roads of Jerusalem, the eternal capital of Israel, and proclaimed ‘Blessed is the one who trusts in God.’ I pray that we are all united around the core values of life and liberty, of service and sacrifice, and especially of faith and morality, which George Washington called the ‘indispensable supports’ of American prosperity.”
Ira Mitzner, Chairman of Yeshiva University’s Board of Trustees, said, “Having Rabbi Berman deliver the Benediction is a testament to his leadership and to the prominence of Yeshiva University. As the nation’s flagship Jewish university, with an unwavering commitment to Torah values and academic excellence, Yeshiva University is a leading institution of higher education that is readying the next generation to contribute to society and live their most fulfilling lives. Never before have our mission and our presence been more important.”=
