Kalinsky Appointed Dean of UTS, Penner to Focus on RIETS

Rabbi Yosef Kalinsky was appointed as Dean for Men’s Undergraduate Torah Studies (UTS) on Jan. 18. Rabbi Kalinsky previously held the role of Associate Dean of UTS and replaces Rabbi Menachem Penner as Dean. Rabbi Penner will continue to serve as the Max and Marion Grill Dean of the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS).

The Men’s UTS Department is responsible for the four undergraduate Torah morning programs which are the Mazer Yeshiva Program (MYP), the Irving I. Stone Beit Midrash Program (SBMP), the James Striar School (JSS) and the Isaac Breuer College of Hebraic Studies (IBC).

“I hope that the students can truly appreciate the amount of time and emotional energy that Rabbi Kalinsky devotes to the Yeshiva. He cares deeply about every aspect of their experience on the campus as well as their futures,” Rabbi Penner wrote in an email to The Commentator.

Rabbi Penner explained that he has worked closely with Rabbi Kalinsky over the past five years and said that they will “continue to work closely together going forward.” He added that he hopes to “focus even more attention on the semikha program, the kollelei elyon and the development of RIETS both in the Yeshiva and out in the community.”

When asked for comment, Rabbi Kalinsky directed The Commentator towards a YU News press release about the promotion. He also stated that no one will be appointed Associate Dean “at this point in time.”

Photo Caption: Rabbi Yosef Kalinsky
Photo Credit: YU News