Rabbi Hirshel Jaffe, who has been called a "living hero", has led a life of courage and compassion.
Competing in the New York Marathon earned him the nickname "The Marathon Rabbi".
The Rabbi's visit in 1980 to the 52 hostages in Iran was featured in a recent BBC Documentary on the 40th anniversary of their liberation.
As a five time cancer survivor his battle with life threatening illness inspired him to co-author "Why Not Me? Searching for God When We Suffer", the story of his rescue from leukemia and his spiritual triumph over despair.
The Rabbi received the Presidential "Award of Courage" from Ronald Reagan in a White House Rose Garden ceremony.
Engraved on his ID bracelet are the fighting words: NEVER GIVE UP!"
Contact MeThank you for your eloquence kindness and wisdom
Rabbi Jaffe, I deeply appreciate your visit to us when we were hostages in Iran and the moral strength and support strength you gave to my mother through all of this.
Thank you for taking such an active role in helping to cure cancer. GO GET 'EM!!!
Hirshel you're amazing. Keep punching and keep up the good work.
You are an inspiration, Rabbi Jaffe. Thank you for keeping up the fight for everyone.
May you continue being a light of goodness for the world. Thank you for being so special in my Dad's life.
Rabbi Jaffe, Thank you for inspiring us with your amazing life story.
Just to thank you again for a wonderful presentation. The comments were very positive
Watching the Documentary I was struck by the courage it must have taken a young Rabbi to be willing to throw himself into the heart of such an unknown outcome.
The BBC Documentary "A Call From the Hostage Takers" gives powerful witness to Rabbi Hirshel Jaffe's courage in the face of danger. He held us enthralled as he described his perilous humanitarian visit to the 52 hostages in Iran and we will long remember his dynamic presence in our midst.
I want thank you so much for coming to join us at Anshe Emeth Memorial Temple. The BBC Program on the Hostage Crisis, was extremely informative and mind opening. Your part was memorable.
It was a delightful evening and everyone who attended appreciated your thoughtfulness and courage, myself included.
What an incredible talk you gave today. Of course, I knew the story of your visit would be interesting, but I didn't know how good of a speaker you are. You are truly amazing.
What a wonderful, fascinating evening! Thank you so much for a great presentation and your warmth and kindness. We were all very pleased.
