Rabbi Haskel Lookstein is a prominent Modern Orthodox leader, educator, and rabbi known for his work in Jewish outreach, interfaith dialogue, and community leadership. Born and raised in New York, he graduated from the Ramaz School in 1949, earned his undergraduate degree from Columbia University, a master's degree from Yeshiva University, and rabbinic ordination (semicha) from Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS) in 1958. Following ordination, he was offered rabbinic positions in Detroit and at the Sephardic Temple in Cedarhurst before assuming his role as senior rabbi of Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun in New York City, where he served from 1958 to 2018 and now holds the title of Rabbi Emeritus. Rabbi Meir Soloveichik previously served as Associate Rabbi at the congregation. Concurrently, Rabbi Lookstein began teaching at the Ramaz School in 1958, later serving as coordinator of Judaic Studies and then as Principal from 1966 until 2015, after which he became Principal Emeritus. He held prominent positions including President of the New York Board of Rabbis, Chairman of the National Rabbinic Cabinet of the United Jewish Appeal (UJA), President of the Synagogue Council of America, and Commissioner on the New York City Human Rights Commission. His contributions to Jewish education and community leadership are chronicled in the biography 'Rav Chesed: The Life and Times of Rabbi Haskel Lookstein' by Rafael Medoff.