LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, upon the occasion
of his designation for special recognition by the Aleh Foundation

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Rabbi Joseph
Potasnik upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by
the Aleh Foundation, to be celebrated at its 28th Anniversary Awards
Dinner Ceremony on Wednesday, May 16, 2012, at the Jewish Museum of
Heritage in New York City; and
WHEREAS, Rabbi Potasnik is the Senior Rabbi at Congregation Mount
Sinai in Brooklyn Heights, New York; he is also the former President and
presently the Executive Vice President of the New York Board of Rabbis,
the largest interdenominational body of its kind in the world; and
WHEREAS, Rabbi Potasnik is the co-host, along with Deacon Kevin McCor-
mack of Xaverian High School and the Diocese of Rockville Center, of
"Religion on the Line," which airs every Sunday morning on WABC Talk
Radio, 770 AM from 7:30 - 10:00 am, WABC's longest running talk radio
program; and
WHEREAS, Rabbi Potasnik has been the religious commentator for Radio
WINS 1010 for many years, succeeding the late Rabbi Marc Tannenbaum; in
the fall of 2005, the New York Board of Rabbis launched its own tele-
vision series "Faith to Faith" hosted by Rabbi Potasnik; and
WHEREAS, This award-winning weekly program strives to show that unity
of spirit and diversity of thought can coexist when there is respect for
the depth of the human mind and recognition of our common humanity; and
WHEREAS, "Faith to Faith", hosted by Rabbi Potasnik, reaches a diverse
body of viewers throughout the United States who can learn about the
richness of their own religion and how it responds to the challenges of
today; as Chaplain of the New York City Fire Department and the Frater-
nal Order of Police, Rabbi Potasnik has maintained a high profile, help-
ing many families cope with the disaster of September 11th; and
WHEREAS, Rabbi Potasnik was also appointed Chaplain of the New York
Press Club; he has published numerous articles that address the chal-
lenging issues today, and has also authored the foreward for THE ILLUS-
TRATED JEWISH BIBLE OF CHILDREN; and
WHEREAS, Rabbi Potasnik received his Bachelor of Arts degree from
Yeshiva College, and his Master of Science degree from the Bernard Revel
Graduate School of Yeshiva University; in 1972, he was ordained from
Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary of Yeshiva University; and
WHEREAS, In addition, in 1986, Rabbi Potasnik received his Juris
Doctor degree from Brooklyn Law School; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout has been his son, Harrison, who feels
privileged to be a part of his life and rejoices in his achievements;
and
WHEREAS, A true asset to society, Rabbi Joseph Potasnik's distin-
guished record merits the recognition and respectful tribute of this
Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Rabbi Joseph Potasnik upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by the Aleh Foundation; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Rabbi Joseph Potasnik.