RIETS Silent on Letter Urging Revocation of Ordinations for Accused Faculty

New York, NY – Jan. 13 – The Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS), the rabbinical school of Yeshiva University, has declined to comment on a letter from Yeshiva University Survivors for Justice (YUSJ) calling for the revocation of ordination for two former faculty members accused of abuse. The letter, sent in December ahead of the University's Centennial Dinner, had urged RIETS leadership to take corrective action and demonstrate accountability.

As of this writing, YUSJ founder Mordechai I. Twersky confirmed that no formal response has been received from RIETS. “The silence is disheartening but not unexpected,” Twersky stated. “We continue to wait for RIETS to show moral leadership by addressing the survivors’ concerns and taking decisive action.”

The letter, by a group of survivors of Marsha Stern Talmudical Academy (MTA), outlined detailed allegations against two individuals, one of whom is deceased and the other living abroad. It also referenced institutional failures, including the honoring of one accused rabbi at fundraising dinners and the establishment of a scholarship in his name years after allegations were reported.

RIETS' refusal to comment adds to a growing pattern of institutional silence that survivors and advocates have criticized as emblematic of YU’s handling of abuse allegations. The request for revocation is seen as both a symbolic and substantive step toward acknowledging past failures and preventing future harm.

Twersky emphasized that the silence undermines confidence in the seminary’s ability to uphold its ethical standards. “This is about more than symbolic action; it’s about sending a clear message that abuse and its enablers have no place in Jewish leadership,” he added.

YUSJ has called on RIETS to convene its board to consider the survivors’ demands, which also include amending historical records and creating a transparent system for tracking allegations against rabbinic alumni.

A spokesperson for RIETS declined to provide a comment when contacted by The Commentator, Yeshiva University’s student newspaper, for its original report on the letter.

YUSJ maintains that public acknowledgment and accountability are essential steps for the institution to repair trust and uphold its mission. “The lack of response speaks volumes about the priorities of RIETS and Yeshiva University,” said Twersky. “But survivors and history itself are watching.”