BDE: Rabbi Alvin Kass, z"l, Longtime NYPD Chief of Rabbis

YS GOLD 

Rabbi Alvin Kass, who has served in the leadership of the NYPD for six decades, was niftar early this morning. He was 88 years of age. 

Rabbi Kass joined the ranks of the NYPD in 1966 at the age of 30, and for the ensuing decades served as a beacon of empathy and compassion, warmth and consolement to the members of the NYPD and their families. Simultaneously, he was also a Rabbi of the East Midwood Jewish Center for 36 years. 

As a senior member of the NYPD, Rabbi Kass responded to the World Trade Center calamity on 9/11. 

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch wrote the following in announcing Rabbi Kass' passing: I am deeply saddened to share the passing of Rabbi Alvin Kass, our Chief Chaplain, and one of the longest-serving members of the New York City Police Department.

Rabbi Kass joined the NYPD in 1966, at the age of 30, becoming the youngest chaplain in the Department’s history. Nearly six decades later, he remained its spiritual heart — a source of strength, guidance, and faith for generations of police officers and their families.

A U.S. Air Force veteran and Columbia graduate, Rabbi Kass devoted his life to service, to this city, and to the women and men of the NYPD. He comforted the grieving, counseled the troubled, and reminded all of us of the deeper purpose in what we do.

He was among the first to respond after 9/11, consoling the families of the 23 officers we lost that day. And for more than half a century, he stood beside our members through moments of tragedy and triumph alike.

At every Police Academy graduation, Rabbi Kass offered his familiar blessing — a prayer that New York be “a place where people of every race, religion, color, and creed can pursue their individual destinies untrammeled, unafraid, and in obedience to Thy will.”

Today, that prayer belongs to all of us. And as we carry his words forward, we know he will still be watching over the city and the Department he loved.

His loss is immeasurable. His example is everlasting.

May his memory be a blessing.