YU President Ari Berman to Deliver Benediction at Trump Inauguration
Yeshiva University President Ari Berman will deliver a benediction at President Donald Trump’s inauguration in Washington D.C. on Monday.
Berman’s blessing will immediately follow Trump’s inaugural address and “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,” a YU spokesman told The Commentator.
“On behalf of Yeshiva University, I am deeply honored to have been asked to deliver the Benediction at this momentous time.” Berman told The Commentator. “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” he added.
Other religious leaders delivering prayers include Imam Husham Al-Husainy, Senior Pastor Lorenzo Sewell and Father Frank Mann.
Al-Husainy, from Michigan, previously refused to call Hezbollah a terrorist organization.
Since the second inauguration of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1937, at least one prayer has been recited by a member of the clergy at every presidential inauguration. Orthodox rabbis have rarely been chosen for this honor; Berman will be only the second to deliver a benediction, following Rabbi Marvin Hier’s prayer at Trump’s first inauguration.
Students Naomi Rose (SCW ‘25) and Donni Honig (YC ‘26) organized a trip to Washington D.C. for YU students to witness the inauguration that would have included a visit to the National Mall and the Lincoln Memorial. Over 80 students purchased $25 tickets to attend the trip. However, on Friday, the inauguration was moved indoors due to inclement weather and the trip was canceled. Temperatures are expected to be around 20 degrees Fahrenheit, resulting in one of the coldest presidential inaugurations in history. Only selected guests will be allowed access to the indoor event in the Capitol Rotunda.
Students varied in opinion regarding Berman’s attendance at the event. “I find it incredibly hypocritical that President Berman, someone who speaks so often about the importance of ‘moral clarity,’ would get up and, right before a pro-Hezbollah imam, give a benediction at the inauguration of one of the most immoral men ever to hold the office of President,” Ezra Muskat (YC ‘25) told The Commentator.
Other students had a more positive view of Berman’s participation.
“When I think back to the days of King George III, Jews were not even allowed to see the coronation of the monarch,” Adin Blumofe (YC ‘26) told The Commentator. “Today, they are allotted time to bless God. It gave me a moment of introspection on the profound virtue of our dear country.”
“Having Rabbi Berman deliver the Benediction is a testament to his leadership and to the prominence of Yeshiva University,” Ira Mitzner, chairman of Yeshiva University’s Board of Trustees told The Commentator. “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.”
Photo Caption: President Berman preparing his remarks in the Capitol Rotunda
Photo Credit: Yeshiva University
