Rabbi Joseph Potasnik: A Distinguished Voice of Faith, Service and Interfaith Unity
From the FDNY to interfaith initiatives, Rabbi Joseph Potasnik has built a public-service career centered on community resilience, dialogue and cooperation.
TN News recognizes one of New York’s most respected religious leaders during the Egyptian Day celebration
Among the distinguished guests attending the Egyptian Day celebration in New York was Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, a prominent religious leader whose decades of public service have made him an influential voice for unity, compassion and interfaith cooperation.
Rabbi Potasnik serves as Executive Vice President of the New York Board of Rabbis and as Rabbi Emeritus of Congregation Mount Sinai in Brooklyn Heights. In October 2025, he made history when he was appointed the first Chief Chaplain in the FDNY’s 160-year history, following more than 25 years of service as an FDNY chaplain. The historic appointment was announced by the FDNY on October 27, 2025.
His work with the Fire Department has extended far beyond ceremonial responsibilities. Following the September 11 attacks, Rabbi Potasnik provided spiritual guidance and emotional support to firefighters, grieving families and members of a city struggling with tremendous loss.
His relationship with the Egyptian community has also been demonstrated during moments of national tragedy.
Following the terrorist attack against worshippers at Al-Rawdah Mosque in North Sinai in November 2017, Rabbi Potasnik joined Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Reverend Dr. A.R. Bernard and other religious and community leaders at the Egyptian Consulate in New York. Together, they offered condolences to the victims’ families and expressed their solidarity with Egypt in confronting terrorism and violence. The interfaith visit was reported at the time by Egypt Today.
Rabbi Potasnik’s influence also extends across New York’s media and civic life. He co-hosts “The Rev and The Rabbi” with Reverend Dr. A.R. Bernard on 770 WABC and serves as a religious commentator for 1010 WINS.
Ordained by Yeshiva University in 1972, Rabbi Potasnik later earned his law degree from Brooklyn Law School. His extensive career reflects a lifelong commitment to public service, religious understanding and cooperation among people of different faiths and backgrounds.
His presence at Egyptian Day carried special significance. It reflected the strength of the relationship between New York’s religious communities and the Egyptian-American community, while reaffirming that cultural and religious differences should never stand in the way of friendship, respect and shared humanity.
TN News is pleased to recognize Rabbi Joseph Potasnik as a distinguished guest and an exceptional leader whose service continues to strengthen New York and promote understanding across communities.
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