Scholar, Historian, Teacher, Leader, and Beloved Rabbi of Beit Knesset Hanassi--Rabbi Berel Wein was all of these things, and more. The Hanassi Blog adds its own tribute to the many that have been pouring out for this remarkable man,
With profound sorrow, yet deep gratitude for a life richly
lived, we mark the passing of Rabbi Berel Wein, our revered rabbi at Beit
Knesset Hanassi in Jerusalem. At the age of 91, after a lifetime of tireless
scholarship, spiritual leadership, and heartfelt teaching, Rabbi Wein leaves
behind an indelible legacy that has shaped generations of Jews across the
world.
Even in his final months, weakened by illness, Rabbi Wein remained committed to his mission—to teach, to inspire, and to uplift. With great courage, he continued to give his weekly classes, each word delivered with the same clarity, wit, and depth that had long been his hallmark. Colleagues and students came from all corners of the country and beyond, eager to hear the timeless words of Torah shaped by his singular voice: steeped in tradition, laced with insight, and always delivered with a glint of humor and humanity.
Rabbi Wein’s passing is a personal loss to the Hanassi community,
which he has served as our spiritual guide, teacher, and friend for more than
two decades. But his influence reaches far beyond the walls of our synagogue.
He was a giant in the world of Torah learning, Jewish history, and public
discourse—an Orthodox thinker who managed to bridge generations, continents,
and worlds with grace, erudition, and warmth.
A Scholar and Teacher from Early On
Berel Wein was born in 1933 in Chicago, Illinois, into a
family of proud rabbinic lineage. After graduating from the Hebrew Theological
College in Skokie and receiving his rabbinic ordination, he also pursued a
secular education, earning a law degree from DePaul University. He practiced
law for a time, but his heart was always in teaching Torah and guiding souls.
In 1964, Rabbi Wein became the rabbi of Congregation Beth
Israel in Miami Beach, Florida, where his oratory talents and charismatic
leadership quickly became known. From there he moved on to Congregation Bais
Torah in Suffern, New York, a pulpit he held for nearly 25 years. It was in
Suffern and Monsey that he began to reach a wider audience—not only as a pulpit rabbi, but
as a prolific author, historian, and communal leader. In 1976 he established Yeshiva Shaarei Torah, which flourished under his inspirational guidance and basked in the warmth and wisdom of his close personal involvement until he made aliyah in 1997. His constant message to his students there was that life is full of messages to be gleaned
A Voice for the Jewish Past and Present
His monumental four-volume Jewish History series—Echoes
of Glory, Herald of Destiny, Triumph of Survival, and Faith and Fate—became
instant classics, studied in schools and adult classes across the globe.
Through these works, Rabbi Wein gave thousands their first real introduction to
Jewish history, not as dry facts and dates but as a living legacy. His message? That, if we are to understand who we are as Jews, we must know where we come from—and more
importantly, where we are meant to go.
His countless recorded lectures—on Torah, Talmud, halacha,
history, ethics, and current events—became a staple of learning in Jewish
communities worldwide. Always infused with his signature blend of depth,
narrative skill, and wry humor, his teachings were as accessible to laypeople
as they were profound to scholars.
He also served as the executive vice president of the
Orthodox Union’s Kashrut Division and founded the Destiny Foundation, through
which he produced films, books, and curricula to strengthen Jewish identity and
historical consciousness.
A New Chapter in Jerusalem
Upon retiring from the rabbinate in the United States, Rabbi
Wein fulfilled a lifelong dream by making aliyah to Israel. Far from slowing
down, he began a new and deeply fruitful chapter in his life. In 2000, he
accepted the position of rabbi at Beit Knesset Hanassi in the Rechavia
neighborhood of Jerusalem. From his first drasha, it was clear that he had
found a spiritual home—and that we had found a rabbi of extraordinary caliber.
His Shabbat sermons were eagerly awaited: thoughtful, often
humorous, sometimes gently provocative, always rooted in eternal Torah values.
His weekday classes drew a devoted following that grew over the years to
include not only regulars but visitors from abroad who arranged their travel
schedules around his shiurim.
It was not just what he taught that moved people—it was how
he taught. Rabbi Wein had the rare ability to speak to a diverse crowd and make
each listener feel personally addressed. As a speaker he was never aloof, never above his
audience. He had lived in the modern world, understood its challenges, and
always sought to bring Torah into dialogue with contemporary life. His
intellect was formidable, but his manner was humble. He was accessible, funny,
and wise—qualities that made him not just our rabbi, but our teacher, confidant,
and friend.
A Man of Principle and Grace
Throughout his life, Rabbi Wein stood for intellectual
honesty, moral clarity, and fidelity to Torah tradition. He was unafraid to
speak uncomfortable truths, but always did so with sensitivity and kindness. He
had no interest in ideological grandstanding or political posturing. He
believed in the Jewish people—in all of us—and devoted his life to building
bridges within our diverse community.
Those who knew him best will remember his gentle smile, his
thoughtful pauses, the quiet strength with which he bore personal losses, and
the integrity with which he lived every day. His faith was deep but never
showy; his convictions strong but never overbearing. He loved Torah, he loved
the Jewish people, and he loved the land of Israel—not as abstract ideals, but
as living realities.
A Legacy That Endures
Rabbi Wein is survived by his children, grandchildren, and
great-grandchildren—each a testament to his love, his values, and his lifelong
commitment to Jewish continuity. His family was a constant source of pride to
him, and he spoke of them often—with joy, humility, and immense gratitude.
But he is also survived by countless spiritual
children—students and readers, congregants and listeners—whose lives were
enriched and uplifted by his teachings. To them, and to us, he leaves behind
not just memories, but a living inheritance: a love of Torah, a passion for
Jewish history, and a model of integrity, faith, and wisdom.
As we mourn his loss, we also give thanks for the
extraordinary blessing of having had Rabbi Berel Wein as our rabbi, teacher,
and guide. In his honor, may we strive to carry forward his legacy—with
courage, with clarity, and with love.
Yehi zichro baruch—May his memory be a blessing.
***** ***** ***** ***** *****
If
you would like to offer the family your condolences, please email them to bkhanassi@gmail.com with the subject line ‘Condolences’.
We will print them out and present them to the family.
If
you have fond memories of Rabbi Wein ztz’l that you wish to
share, please email them to bkhanassi@gmail.com with the subject line ‘Memories’. We will do our best to share these memories
with the family and with the Beit Knesset Hanassi community.
May
we all be spared to share only good news.
