Rabbi Jay Rosenbaum receives Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit
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On May 29, Consul General Dr. Horst Freitag honored Rabbi Jay Rosenbaum at the Temple Israel of Lawrence on Long Island for his accomplishments and achievements in furthering the German-American-Jewish relationship. On behalf of the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Horst Köhler, he presented Rabbi Rosenbaum with the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit.
For years Rabbi Rosenbaum followed his credo “Global thinking starts locally” and dedicated himself to the American-Jewish/German friendship. As Secretary General of the North American Board of Rabbis (NABOR) Rosenbaum initiated an outstanding exchange program. Thanks to his efforts, each year since 2002, 25 Students from Berlin and New York participate in the German/American-Jewish High School Youth Exchange Program. “In doing so, he built bridges and created lasting bonds of friendship between American-Jewish and German non-Jewish high school students,” the Consul General stated in his speech.
The bestowal was embedded in a service in honor of the congregation’s graduates and confirmands on the Jewish holiday of Shawuot. Families and friends came together at the Temple Israel of Lawrence in Long Island to pay tribute to their young congregation members and their rabbi. “Tonight is a celebration of accomplishment and achievements. There is a lot to be joyful, proud and grateful about,” Horst Freitag described the feelings of those attending the ceremony.
These words remain even more true considering that the German-Jewish dialogue is not to be taken for granted. Thus the achievements of Rabbi Jay Rosenbaum can not be valued highly enough. Due to his exchange program, young Germans develop a better understanding of their own history and the special responsibility that comes with Germany’s past. Also, young American Jews obtain a better understanding of a contemporary, open and diverse Germany. With his dedication to foster the inter-religious and inter-ethnic dialogue, Rabbi Rosenbaum encourages each year many students, not only to learn about their past but to turn towards a future where Israel and Germany are close allies.
His commitment to educate and to help, his struggle for social justice and a tolerant and open-minded society characterize him as a caring and compassionate leader in his community.
After the service and the presentation of the award, the evening concluded with a reception with traditional Jewish food.
