March 4, 2022
The Central Conference of American Rabbis grieves the loss of its beloved past president, Rabbi Martin S. Weiner, z”l, who died at home in the loving embrace of his family on March 3, 2022.
Marty Weiner lived his life with authentic humility. Human relationships, which he understood through Buberian theology, were of primary importance to him in his rabbinate and in his life. Rabbi Weiner was a mentor par excellence, to dozens, if not hundreds, of younger colleagues—particularly rabbis and cantors who were his colleagues at Congregation Sherith Israel.
As CCAR president, Marty Weiner provided tremendous leadership when we held our convention in Jerusalem in 2002, at the height of the Second Intifada. In his presidential message and in his style of leadership, Rabbi Weiner provided important guidance, comfort, and direction at a horrifically trying time. He continued in meaningful service to the CCAR after his presidency until the end of his life.
Friendship was like a jewel to Marty Weiner. Once one became his friend, that friendship lasted forever, and he looked after his friends, including innumerable CCAR members.
Marty’s beloved wife Karen accompanied him as he traveled to CCAR functions big and small throughout his presidency. Her presence alongside his brought warmth to the CCAR and each of its gatherings. Reform rabbis join in extending sympathy today to Karen and to their children—including CCAR member, Rabbi Daniel Weiner, daughters Elizabeth and Ellen, and grandchildren—to all of Marty’s family, and to the family of Congregation Sherith Israel in San Francisco.
Y’hi zichro baruch! The memory of Rabbi Martin S. Weiner is a blessing.
Rabbi Lewis Kamrass
President
Rabbi Hara E. Person
Chief Executive
Central Conference of American Rabbis