Rabbi Yaakov T. Glasser

Rabbi Yaakov Glasser, the dynamic rabbi at the Young Israel of Passaic-Clifton, is a weaver of sorts, stringing humor, scholarship and an upbeat message that has infused the 40-year-old congregation with a positive spirit focused on its future. He is a worthy successor to the shul’s longtime leader, Rabbi Emeritus, Rabbi Chaim Wasserman.

The sense of enthusiasm, reflected both in upgrades of the shul’s facility and in the growing membership, is hardly surprising. Rabbi Glasser and his wife, Ruth, are entertaining, engaging and motivating.

"There’s a renewal at Young Israel, a sense of purpose and vitality that is largely attributed to Rabbi Glasser. We’re very excited about the future of this shul and the role we can play in a growing community like Passaic-Clifton," observes Scott Goldberg, shul president.

As Regional Director of the Etz Chaim/New Jersey region of the National Conference of Synagogue Youth, Rabbi Glasser's influence and enthusiasm permeates NCSY’s largest region.

The parents of four children, the Glassers respectively boast impressive educational credentials. Rabbi Glasser has Yoreh Yoreh Smicha from Yeshiva University, as well as an M.S. in Jewish Education from the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration. He is also a member of Yeshiva University’s Kollel LeHoraah.

In the field, Rabbi Glasser possesses extensive experience in youth work and informal Jewish education, having served as founding director of the Orthodox Union’s Jewish Student Union in New Jersey – a network of public school clubs for Jewish teens. Previously, he was a regional director of Junior NCSY.

Rebbetzin Ruth Glasser has completed a Ph.D. in Clinical Child Psychology from St. John’s University. The Glassers both have strong leadership abilities, teaching expertise, and motivation to help our shul grow. Rabbi Glasser, his wife, and their four adorable children, are key to the strength and growth of the YIPC family and to the larger Passaic-Clifton community.