October 29, 2025
Baruch Dayan Ha’Emet
It is with profound sorrow that we share the passing of our beloved Spiritual Director and the Chief Chaplain of the NYPD, Rabbi Dr. Alvin Kass, who passed away this morning at 2:40 AM (Wednesday, October 29, 2025).
Rabbi Kass joined the NYPD in 1966 at the age of 30, becoming the youngest chaplain in the Department’s history—and, for nearly six decades, the spiritual heart of our Department and the NYPD Shomrim Society’s longtime Spiritual Director. A U.S. Air Force veteran and Columbia graduate, he devoted his life to service: leading and uplifting the Shomrim family, comforting the grieving, counseling the troubled, and reminding all of us of the higher purpose in our work. He was among the first to respond after 9/11, consoling the families of the 23 officers we lost that day, and he stood beside our members through moments of tragedy and triumph alike.
Rabbi Dr. Alvin Kass led the NYPD Shomrim Society with quiet strength and steadfast faith for nearly six decades. As our longtime Spiritual Director, he anchored Shomrim in Torah values and service, showing up for members in joy and in crisis, guiding us through milestones, line-of-duty tragedies, and everyday decisions alike. He mentored generations of Jewish officers, nurtured unity across ranks and precincts, and reminded us that our badge carries a moral purpose: to protect every New Yorker with dignity and compassion. His counsel shaped our traditions, his presence steadied our hearts, and his example set the standard for what it means to be a Shomrim leader. May his memory continue to guide our work.
Rabbi Kass’s loss is immeasurable; his example is everlasting. May his memory be a blessing, and may we honor him by carrying his faith, courage, and compassion forward.
With sadness and respect.
