Rabbi Yakov Hilsenrath (1932-2014) was born in Vienna, Austria, but immigrated to Brooklyn, New York with his family after miraculously escaping the Nazis during World War II. He later moved to New Jersey with his wife, Devorah, where he served at the Beth Judah Temple for 11 years. He also served as Chaplain for the Jewish members of the Coast Guard, and was named as one of Five outstanding Young Men in New Jersey. In 1964, Rabbi Hilsenrath accepted a position at the Highland Park Conservative Temple. During his service, he established the American Jerusalem Academy for Contemporary Judaic Studies, and received 14 Solomon Shechter awards, which recognizes excellence in teaching Jewish worship and ritual. He was also honored by many other organizations, such as the Avi Chai foundation and the Anti-Defamation League. He is survived by his wife, children, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.