Few knew that behind Rabbi Kass’ sharp NYPD uniform stood a philosopher whose academic journey bridged theology, ethics, and public service. At Yeshiva University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, he explored how faith and moral reasoning shaped the daily choices of officers from diverse backgrounds. His doctoral work reflected a deep curiosity about human resilience: what drives people to act ethically under pressure.
In interviews, Rabbi Kass often described his chaplaincy as an immersion in the moral struggles of urban life. “It’s been a wonderful opportunity to touch the lives of brave and courageous people who put their lives on the line,” he said. He saw his calling not only in ministering to others but in listening to their stories and learning from their faith.
He never forgot the moment he encountered an officer weeping at St. Vincent’s Hospital on 9/11. “I said, ‘I would like to sit down and cry along,’” he recalled, a testament to his belief that true leadership requires vulnerability as much as strength. Days later, he led a makeshift Rosh HaShanah service for first responders at LaGuardia Airport, an unplanned moment of healing that he called “the most meaningful religious service of my career.”
In 2023, Rabbi Kass received Yeshiva University’s Eugene J. Keogh Award for Distinguished Public Service, recognizing his lifelong commitment to the intersection of faith, philosophy, and public duty.