Last of the candidates for BAYT'S top spot

The weeks have gone by and the time is quickly aproaching when the Beth Avraham Yoseph of Toronto Congregation (BAYT) will have to choose their next Senior Rabbi. Before the votes are cast one candidate remains to be screened: Rabbi Josh Blass, Morah D'asra of Kehillas Bais Yehudah in Wesley Hills, New York. A position he has held since August 2005.

Blass, the youngest of the three candidates for Beth Avraham's top job, received his smicha from RIETS in 1998. Straight from high school Blass studied for a year and a half in Yeshivat Ohr Yerushalayim before commencing studies at Yeshiva University.

Aside from his shul obligation his time is given to Project Tikvah, a branch of the Rockland Women's Shelter (caring for battered and abused women) serving as the rabbinic advisor. He is an active member of the chevrah kadisha and has lectured extensively throughout the New York area.

In much the same way as those evaluated before him did, Blass will be speaking on Friday night and Shabbat morning as well as Shabbat afternoon at Seudah Shelishit (Third Meal). He will meet with the BAYT's young families group on Saturday night at 9:30 p.m. in the Simcha Suite and will also give the Daf Yomi shiur Sunday morning.