LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Rabbi Scott B. Weiner upon the occasion
of his designation for special recognition by the Hebrew Tabernacle
Congregation of Washington Heights

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Rabbi Scott B. Weiner upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the Hebrew Tabernacle Congregation of Washington Heights
on Friday, June 12, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Scott B. Weiner began his Rabbinate at the Hebrew Tabernacle
Congregation of Washington Heights, his first pulpit following ordina-
tion in June of 2004; and
WHEREAS, Rabbi Weiner reversed a steadily-declining membership by
doing the following: appealing to young and unaffiliated singles,
couples and families in the neighborhood; making the Hebrew Tabernacle a
place where interfaith couples can feel comfortable embracing Judaism
while not alienating other traditions; opening the doors of Judaism to
many who have chosen to enter as converts; adding and invigorating
programming; working with successive Cantors to ensure the highest
musical standards; re-energizing family services; and overseeing the
sanctuary renovation to bring the clergy closer to the congregation; and
WHEREAS, A people's future is only as strong as its youth, and Rabbi
Weiner's vision (along with that of the Principal) have made the Hebrew
School one of the best the Reform movement has to offer; it also has
introduced young people to their responsibilities as Jewish adults
through the institution of a bar/bat mitzvah retreat, encouraged (and
subsidized) youth attendance at Jewish summer camp, and kept the
synagogue's youth and teens engaged in Jewish life through the institu-
tion of a "Hebrew High School"; and
WHEREAS, A people's dignity is only as strong as its treatment of its
old and infirm, and Rabbi Weiner has strengthened the mitzvot of visit-
ing the sick, accompanying the dead and comforting mourners; in addi-
tion, he has provided pastoral care to all those in need; and
WHEREAS, Rabbi Weiner has demonstrated his commitment to shalom, the
peace of wholeness, and to tikkun olam, the repairing of a broken world
by starting a collection site which has gathered more than seven tons of
food for a local food pantry; inspiring a knitting group which made
hundreds of hats, scarves and mittens for the homeless; forming an AIDS
Walk-NY team which has raised a significant amount; organizing a bus to
join the Darfur rally on Washington, D.C.; organizing the synagogue's
participation in the annual Salute to Israel parade; bringing Hebrew
High School students to volunteer in soup kitchens; remembering the
names of US Military casualties along with the synagogue's own list of
departed members and family; forming "the Running Rabbis" to run mara-
thons for charity; further, he has always urged the members of our
congregation, as well as the people of our community and our elected
leaders, to remain aware of the moral issues of the day and their conse-
quences; and
WHEREAS, A spiritual community is most vital when it is engaged in
meaningful worship, and Rabbi Weiner has honored the dignity of the
classical reform service, while growing within it new traditions of

modern liberal Judaism; has edited new prayer books for Sabbath, holiday
and daily usage; and instituted a weekday morning minyan; and
WHEREAS, The chain of Torah extends through the ages of Rabbis and
scholars to students of today, and while Rabbi Weiner has continued
Hebrew Tabernacle's tradition of adult education, including the addition
of regular Torah study and other adult education series open to the
public, his commitment to the Torah itself inspired the restoration of
nine scrolls, including the repair of one more than 350 years old, and
another which was secreted away from the Nazis and since has been
returned to its German community; and
WHEREAS, Rabbi Weiner has used his pulpit to challenge his flock to
community involvement; civic engagement; justice and compassion for
one's neighbors, be they local or global; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Rabbi Scott B. Weiner for his commitment to Judaism, Israel, the
Jewish people and humanity as he leaves the Hebrew Tabernacle of Wash-
ington Heights to become the Senior Rabbi of Temple Israel of New
Rochelle; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Rabbi Scott B. Weiner.