Rabbi Jenn Weinstein was recently installed in front of 250 congregants of Congregation Simchat HaLev of Syosset.
The installation ceremony, led by Rabbi Jay Weinstein, her father, was held at Long Island University in Brookville.
Nassau County Legislator Judy Jacobs and Councilwoman Rebecca Alesia honored Rabbi Jenn with proclamations. Congregants and family members, along with past and present Hebrew school students, spoke of the wonderful person Rabbi Jenn is and what a wonderful rabbi she will be.
A theme for the day, “Find a rabbi, find a friend,” were words that were referred to throughout the celebration.
When asked about his daughter sharing the spiritual leadership with him and being installed, Rabbi Jay said, “For the last 10 years, I have watched her grow, I have witnessed her serving our congregation in many roles. The heavens are beaming and the earth is shouting with joy and excitement, for today we come together to welcome her ‘officially’ as our rabbi. Rabbi Jenn is a gift and a blessing from Gd. I am proud to call Rabbi Jenn my colleague and to share the rabbinic leadership with her.”
Rabbi Jenn graduated from the Jewish Spiritual Leaders Institute’s Rabbinical Program and was ordained on Jan. 4.
“So often, and by many, I was told I should be a psychologist, a therapist, a doctor, a teacher, a whole array of professions that had a common theme of attentive listening, advice giving, and outreach,” said Rabbi Jenn. “As a rabbi it is my passion to advocate for all people and to work toward the ultimate goal of inclusion. I come from a background of exposure.
“Exposure to differences and acceptance of all has helped mold my perception of how people should be treated. My hope for the future is to broaden and expand my outreach both in our community and in the greater world.”
Everyone at the installation ceremony and reception certainly felt a great sense of pride and joy. Thank you to all the committee volunteers, corporate sponsors and congregational donors who helped make this day a success.
— Simchat HaLev
