Rabbi Dr. Herbert C. Dobrinsky Legacy Society

In 2021 Yeshiva University launched the Rabbi Dr. Herbert C. Dobrinsky Legacy Society, which recognizes and honors the loyal donors who have made us aware that they have included Yeshiva University in their estate plans.

About Rabbi Dr. Herbert C. Dobrinsky

Rabbi Dr. Herbert C. Dobrinsky ’50YUHS, ’54YC, ’57R, ’80F, Yeshiva University’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 Yeshiva University 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 Yeshiva University 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 YU 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 YU for his tireless commitment with many awards, including the Harav Yosef B. Soloveitchik zt”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.

Let us thank you

If you have provided for Yeshiva University in your estate plan but have not yet notified us of your intention, please consider letting us know so we can thank you.

Communicating your plans helps us ensure that your requests are met and guides us in long-term planning efforts. It also allows us to welcome you to the Rabbi Dr. Herbert C. Dobrinsky Legacy Society and express our gratitude for your commitment and generosity during your lifetime.

We would welcome the opportunity to answer any of your questions or provide additional information.

Please feel free to contact Adam Gerdts, vice president for institutional advancement, at adam.gerdts@yu.edu or 646.592.6863.