Rabbi Weiss was educated at the Bet Midrash L’Torah – Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, Illinois, where he received his Semicha and degrees in Hebrew Literature and Practical Rabbinics. Rabbi Weiss served as Rabbi of congregations in Chicago and Dallas, Texas, and was also head Jewish chaplain at Rush Medical Center in Chicago before making Aliyah in 1992. Rabbi Weiss founded and directs the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra’anana, serving Olim through a network of religious and educational programs.
Rabbi Weiss is a regular columnist for the Jerusalem Post, and lectures frequently in Israel, the United States, England and South Africa. He regularly leads kosher tours and cruises to places of interest around the world. He also is a member of the Ra’anana City Council and the RCA. He is a past recipient of the Rabbinic Leadership Award from both the Orthodox Union and the Young Israel movement.
Rabbi Weiss is married to the former Susie Klein of Cleveland, and they have 6 children. In 2002, their eldest son, IDF Sgt. Ari Weiss HY”D – a member of the elite Palchan HaNachal (Sayeret) anti-terror unit – was killed in battle against Hamas terrorists in Shechem. In 2010, they constructed the Ohel Ari Bet Knesset and Torah Learning Center in Ra’anana, in Ari’s memory; Ohel Ari has today become the largest of Ra’anana’s 80 shuls , with more than 1000 congregants each Shabbat. Both Rabbi and Mrs. Weiss have spoken extensively around the world on the topic of maintaining faith in the shadow of tragedy, on the centrality of the State of Israel in Jewish life and the need for Jewish unity. They have inspired thousands to strengthen their commitment to Israel, Judaism and God.
Field / Profession: Educator, Government & Politics, Leadership & Motivation
Educator at: Academic
Recent Places Spoken/Recommendations:
Toronto city-wide Yom Yerushalayim program: Jack Samuel, chairman
Denver DAT Minyan; Rabbi Leib Zalesch
YU-Stern student body, Talia Molotsky, coordinator
Speaking Topics: Torah, Israel, Politics, Community, Eretz Yisrael, Inspirational, Mussar/Character Development, Family Education, Halacha & the Modern World, Campus/Students
Sample Topics - General:
The Partnership Between Man and G-d
Do We Worship Hashem - or Halacha?
The Jewish Dilemma: A Part OF the World, or Apart FROM the World?
Crisis and Coping: Faith in the Shadow of Tragedy
Sample Topics - Israel Related:
Israel: The Center of the Universe
Between Galut and Redemption: Where Are WE?
Aliya: G-d's Challenge to this Generation
Languages: English, Hebrew
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