In 2021, launched the Rabbi Dr. Herbert C. Dobrinsky Planned Giving Legacy Society, which recognizes and honors the loyal donors who have made us aware that they have included in their estate plans.
ABOUT RABBI DR. HERBERT C. DOBRINSKY
Rabbi Dr. Herbert C. Dobrinsky ’50HS, ’54YC, ’57R, ’80F, ’s Vice President for University Affairs, has spent a lifetime in service to the University and the Jewish people. Born in Montreal, he came to New York City in 1948 to attend the High School for Boys/Marsha Stern Talmudical Academy followed by nine years of undergraduate and graduate study in both the University and the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS).
After serving as the rabbi of Beth Israel Synagogue in Halifax, Nova Scotia, for five years, he was invited by to a leadership position in the Community Service Division and was later named Vice President for University Affairs. He is credited with launching a planned giving program at and advocating for legacy gifts that strengthen the University. As a result of his tireless commitment, Dr. Dobrinsky has established 38 professorial chairs and five boards of overseers.
During his years of service to the University, Dr. Dobrinsky co-founded Sephardic Studies and the Sephardic Community Activities programs, aimed at preserving the rich Sephardic heritage of North America. He also helped to establish the Holocaust Studies program. He has been recognized by for his tireless commitment with many awards, including the Harav Yosef B. Soloveitchik ”l Aluf Torah Award and the Presidential Medallion.
Dr. Dobrinsky is the co-founder of the American Society of Sephardic Studies and the author of A Treasury of Sephardic Laws and Customs, used by universities and schools the world over.
During his years of service to the University, Dr. Dobrinsky has raised many millions of dollars in support of scholarships for students, faculty chairs and innovative programs.
For more information on the Dobrinsky Legacy Society, contact Daniel Satlow in the Office of Institutional Advancement at daniel.satlow@yu.edu or 646.592.6864.