Larry’s journey to the rabbinate began in his hometown, Albany, N.Y., as a seventh-generation Albanian. Larry grew up in a small but dedicated Jewish community with many beloved institutions at its core. He grew up attending Hebrew Academy of the Capital District and spending summers at Camp Givah. These institutions and the people who supported them showed Larry what it meant to be a dedicated community leader. It was here where Larry first knew that he would be making a life of Jewish communal service.
Larry attended University of Albany, where he studied anthropology and Judaic studies. His involvement in Hillel and Chabad anchored his college years, strengthening his identity as an educator. Larry went to graduate school at New York University and soon after began his career in the Hillel movement. Hillel provided Larry exactly what he wanted as a teacher; he thrived at Hillel and is grateful to the movement for fostering his growth. Soon after, Larry became the senior Jewish educator at Capital Camps and Retreat Center, and loved being back at camp.
After his father passed away, Larry took a look at his life and realized a long-forgotten dream of the rabbinate should be back on the table. RRC gave Larry the ability to pursue the rabbinate in a way that felt right to him, and so he took the leap of faith and began the journey.
Larry couldn’t have reached this day without the love and support of so many. First, the love of his life, Adina, who made the journey the whole way with him — not just physically relocating with him, but emotionally and spiritually. Larry is grateful for the love and support from his many family members and friends, all of whom have lifted him up on his journey to the rabbinate. He wants to especially thank his mom, siblings and in-laws, without whom he would not be the man he is today. He also wants to thank the many mentors and teachers who have guided him throughout his journey.
Larry marks this moment in honor of his father, who catapulted Larry to the rabbinate and who himself would have made a fantastic rabbi. Larry dedicates his rabbinate to all those who uplift him; he hopes to make them proud!
“For the Jew must always focus on the inner intelligence of every matter, and bind themself to the wisdom and inner intelligence that is to be found in each thing. This, so that the intelligence which is in each thing may enlighten them, that they may draw closer to God through that thing. For the inner intelligence is a great light that shines for a person in all their ways.”
— Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, Likutei Moharan
