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Rabbi Avi Weiss

Rabbi Avi Weiss is the founding rabbi of the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale, the Bayit, and founder and co-founder, respectively, of Yeshivat Chovevei Torah and Yeshivat Maharat rabbinical schools.He is a longtime activist for Israel, Jewish causes and human rights.

Magen David, or Star of David. Credit: Roman Odinstov/Pexels.

Lamenting, loving, leveling: A spiritual pathway through this year’s Jewish holidays

With all of our differences, have we done enough to make sure that we are encircled—not divided but together as one peoplehood?

Rabbi Avi Weiss

Oct. 15, 2024

The “USS Carney” guided missile destroyer. Photo by Journalist Seaman Apprentice Charles A. Ordoqui/U.S. Navy via Wikimedia Commons.

Israel’s war against terror goes beyond the Middle East

Numerous Israelis have now given their lives for a cause that directly aligns with American interests.

Rabbi Avi Weiss and Eitan Fischberger

Dec. 29, 2023

Two new Torah scrolls have been dedicated to the memory of Israeli civilians and soldiers killed in the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attacks and ongoing war, in addition to the hostages being held in Gaza, at the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old City, Nov. 21, 2023. Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90.

Thoughts and observations as the war continues

In the midst of the darkness, we, as a people, are emanating light.

Rabbi Avi Weiss

Nov. 24, 2023

Israeli citizens pack donations of food and other necessities for the Israeli soldiers and citizens in the south, in Tel Aviv, October 9, 2023. Photo by Miriam Alster/Flash90 *** Local Caption *** אוספים ותורמים ממתקים שימורים סיגריות ציורים לחיילים בדרום
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The Jewish state at war: ‘Yehi Or’

Even as it suffered a colossal intelligence failure, Israel will overcome.

Rabbi Avi Weiss

Oct. 9, 2023

Handmade “shmurah matzah” used at Passover seder. Credit: Wikimedia Commons.

This seder, let’s begin by declaring ‘Ve’ahavta Le’reiacha Kamocha’

“Behold, I accept upon myself the commandment of the Lord to love my neighbor as myself.”

Rabbi Avi Weiss

Apr. 3, 2023

Israeli soldiers carry the coffin containing the remains of IDF soldier Sgt. First Class Zachary Baumel at the Mount Herzl Military cemetery in Jerusalem on April 4, 2019. Credit: Hadas Parush/Flash90.

Setting aside a matzah for the remaining Israeli soldiers

At our Passover tables, when we declare “Next Year in Jerusalem,” we ought to have in mind the MIAs who gave their lives for our homeland. We need to see the fulfillment of the words of the Prophet Jeremiah: “The children will return to their land.”

Rabbi Avi Weiss

Apr. 18, 2019

U.S. President Barack Obama in 2017. Credit: White House Photo by Pete Souza.

Kol Nidre and the white fire of the Iran discourse

Rabbi Avi Weiss

Sep. 2, 2015

A field near Rosh HaAyin in Israel, left barren for the 2007-08 sabbatical year of shmita. Credit: Yaakov via Wikimedia Commons.

The sabbatical year of Shmita and spiritually responding to terrorism

Rabbi Avi Weiss

Sep. 16, 2014