Victor B. Geller

During a professional career that extended over four decades, Victor Geller played a significant role in the development of the Orthodox Jewish community of North America.

Prior to his retirement as Dean of Communal Services at the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS) of Yeshiva University, he occupied a series of important roles at Y.U., including the organization of many Orthodox synagogues in the post-war era. Most remarkably, perhaps, was his position as Director of Rabbinic Placement at RIETS. In this unique capacity, Mr. Geller was the only layman in America to ever supervise rabbinic placement. 

 Before joining the Y.U. staff, Mr. Geller also served on the staffs of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations and the National Council of Young Israel. 

 From Halifax to Vancouver, from Los Angeles to Miami, Mr. Geller’s travels afforded him the opportunity to study Jewish communities, large and small. A gifted speaker, he has lectured and written extensively about the ever-changing trends in Jewish life. His writing has appeared in many publications, including Legacy (HarperCollins), Tradition, Judaism, Jewish Life, Jewish Action, Jewish Horizon, and Jewish Spectator. 

A decorated veteran of World War II, Mr. Geller and his wife, Hanya, made aliyah in 1999, and live in Jerusalem.