Yeshiva University president to represent American Jewish community at Trump inauguration

Berman, who has led Yeshiva University since 2017, is known for his efforts to strengthen the institution’s academic and spiritual mission.

'THERE ARE many good people in the US and in higher education.' Yeshiva University students and faculty marching for Israel. (photo credit: COURTESY OF YESHIVA UNIVERSITY)
'THERE ARE many good people in the US and in higher education.' Yeshiva University students and faculty marching for Israel.
(photo credit: COURTESY OF YESHIVA UNIVERSITY)

Dr. Ari Berman, a rabbi and president of Yeshiva University, announced on X/Twitter that he will participate in US President-elect Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration.

Berman will deliver a benediction at the event, representing the American Jewish community.

He said he was “working on the benediction for the inauguration.”

“It is a profound privilege to offer a prayer for unity and hope on behalf of Yeshiva University and for all Americans at this historic moment,” he wrote on X.

Berman, who has led Yeshiva University since 2017, is known for his efforts to strengthen the institution’s academic and spiritual mission.

 YESHIVA UNIVERSITY President Rabbi Ari Berman (right) with Rabbi Doron Perez. (credit: Courtesy YU)Enlrage image
YESHIVA UNIVERSITY President Rabbi Ari Berman (right) with Rabbi Doron Perez. (credit: Courtesy YU)

He said that the university’s role was to combine Jewish values with global leadership and innovation.

According to Berman, under his leadership, Yeshiva University has expanded its entrepreneurship, science, and technology programs while maintaining its traditional Torah-based education.

Berman previously served as the rabbi of The Jewish Center in Manhattan and earned advanced degrees from Yeshiva University and Columbia University.

Jewish leaders have often played a significant role in presidential inaugurations, offering prayers and blessings as part of the ceremonies.

In 2017, Rabbi Marvin Hier, founder of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, delivered a benediction at Trump’s first inauguration. Hier’s prayer called for justice and peace while emphasizing the importance of faith in public life.


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During US president Barack Obama’s inaugurations in 2009 and 2013, Rabbi Haskel Lookstein and Rabbi Sharon Brous participated in national prayer services held at the Washington National Cathedral.

Lookstein, a prominent Modern Orthodox leader, and Brous, founder of the progressive Jewish community IKAR in Los Angeles, contributed to the interfaith efforts that marked Obama’s tenure.

Rabbis at Biden's inauguration

In 2021, US President Joe Biden’s inauguration included blessings from Rabbi Michael Beals of Wilmington, Delaware, and Brous.

Beals likened Biden to Moses, connecting him to themes of leadership and liberation. Brous delivered a prayer during the virtual inaugural prayer service, focusing on notions of justice and unity amid national challenges.

Earlier examples of Jewish participation include Rabbi Abba Hillel Silver’s prayer at the 34th US president Dwight D. Eisenhower’s 1953 inauguration and Rabbi Nelson Glueck’s benediction at the 35th US president’s John F. Kennedy’s inauguration in 1961.

Rabbi Louis Finkelstein, chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary, participated in Eisenhower’s second inauguration in 1957.

Famously known as the “rabbi to the stars,” Rabbi Edgar F. Magnin offered prayers at the 37th US president Richard Nixon’s 1969 inauguration.

Rabbi Seymour Siegel delivered a benediction four years later at Nixon’s second inauguration in 1973. Rabbi Alfred Gottschalk, president of Hebrew Union College, participated in US president Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration in 1985, reflecting the continued presence of Jewish voices in these ceremonies.