Rabbinical Seminary of America

The Rabbinical Seminary of America, affectionately known as Chofetz Chaim, stands as a distinguished institution dedicated to profound Jewish scholarship and the development of future spiritual leaders. It offers a unique educational journey, drawing students into a vibrant environment of textual study and community, all while upholding a deep commitment to traditional learning.

Its fascinating history began in 1933 when it was founded by Rabbi Dovid Leibowitz, a revered scholar and the great-nephew of the legendary Chofetz Chaim (Rabbi Yisroel Meir Kagan). Rabbi Leibowitz, himself a disciple of the esteemed Nosson Tzvi Finkel and a student of Naftoli Trop at the prestigious Radun Yeshiva in Belarus, brought a profound educational lineage directly to Brooklyn. The institution was purposefully named Yeshivas Rabbeinu Yisrael Meir HaKohen, honoring his illustrious great-uncle, who had passed away that very year.

The popular name "Chofetz Chaim" is universally associated with Rabbi Kagan, after his seminal work with the same title, which translates to "desires life." This encapsulates the yeshiva's aspiration to instill a deep love for life and Torah within its students. With 450 students across its comprehensive programs—including elementary, middle school, high school, and beis medrash—the seminary provides an immersive educational experience rooted in timeless wisdom, preparing students for lives of meaning and leadership within the Jewish community.