This year, the Rabbinical Seminary of America / Yeshivas Chofetz Chaim is privileged to honor a unique couple, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Alma Klein. For over 35 years, their pediatric practice has been the backbone for so many in our community.

“They were amazing. Absolutely amazing … A balance of professional, but very, very caring,” says Meira Winter, whose children have been patients of the two doctors for years.

The doctors will be honored with the Dr. Raymond Feinberg Memorial Chesed Award, named for the legendary doctor who lovingly cared for all the yeshiva’s rebbeim and students.

Dr. Andrew Klein grew up in Bayswater and attended Young Israel. The first rabbi there, Rabbi Moshe Chait, later moved to Israel, where he became the Rosh Yeshiva of the Israeli branch of Yeshivas Chofetz Chaim. Dr. Klein’s family has always maintained a warm connection with Rabbi Chait and his sons.

Dr. Klein attended MTA High School. He continued at Yeshiva College and later spent a few years at Yeshivat Har Etzion in the Gush.

Upon returning to the U.S., Dr. Klein attended medical school at Mount Sinai, NY, where he met his wife, Alma Krupka, who was a year behind him. Forty-five years ago, when Andrew was in his fourth year of medical school and Alma in her third year, they got married.

Doctor Alma Klein grew up in East Meadow, Long Island, and went to HANC (Hebrew Academy of Nassau County). After high school, she continued at Stern College. She then studied at Mount Sinai Medical School, where she met and married her husband.

After their marriage, both Doctors Klein trained in pediatrics at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Jacobi Medical Center. They lived in the Bronx for a few years, near the hospital, before opening their practice in Central Queens.

In 1986, their medical practice on 162nd Street was established. They spent the next 37 years caring for children, many who were part of the Yeshiva and Kollel community.

What motivated the couple to start their medical practice?

A desire to work with and help others. When asked about the greatest achievement of his career, Dr. Andrew Klein responded, “Our relationships with people.” Even after their recent retirement, both doctors have continued their commitment to helping others. Dr. Andrew now works in medical-legal review, while Dr. Alma has opened a psychoanalysis practice.

Both doctors enjoy meeting patients and former patients wherever they go. At the annual Yeshivas Chofetz Chaim dinners, the doctors often recognize the graduate students receiving Semichah, having treated either their children or the graduates themselves. 

How was it to work with the Chofetz Chaim Kollel families?

“It was great. We had very nice relationships. We were impressed with the Kollel families.” say the doctors. This dinner tribute brings a sense of closure to the doctors who have retired after years of working with many yeshivah children.

Kollel patients reflect:

“They were very big role models... It was very beautiful to see a husband and wife working together so closely but so respectfully…” 

“I called them after hours, during hours, I was always respected… Definitely a very special place. My kids were never scared, anxious or unhappy to go...”

What’s next for the doctors?

For now, they’re continuing with their new careers. Eventually, they’ll probably move to New Jersey to be closer to their grandchildren. The staff and students of Yeshivas Chofetz Chaim wish them much success. They will certainly be missed.

The Rabbinical Seminary of America, popularly known as “The Chofetz Chaim Yeshiva,” is now entering its 91st year of service to the American Jewish community.  It currently educates almost 600 students, high school thru advanced Kollel, at its Kew Gardens Hills campus on 147th Street, and its program for married students comprises the oldest and largest [non-Chassidic] full-time Kollel in New York City.  

The Yeshiva, under the leadership of Roshei HaYeshiva Harav Akiva Grunblatt, Harav Dovid Harris, and Harav Shaul Opoczynski, stays true to original mission: To educate young American men to become fine talmidei chachomim, ba’alei midos, and future marbitzei Torah for America.  

Beside the tributes to Dr. Andrew and Dr. Alma Klein, this year’s Dinner celebrates 36 graduate students receiving their Semichah – Rabbinical Ordination – from the Seminary. They have or will be assuming positions of Torah leadership in communities from sea to shining sea, in every facet of communal service. It is truly a cause for celebration for the entire Jewish community.