[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 90 (Wednesday, June 11, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E952]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING RABBI AVI AND TOBY WEISS

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 11, 2014

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, there is a saying that ``talent does what it 
can, while genius does what it must.'' The inner strength and spirit 
which moves Rabbi Avi Weiss and his wife Toby cannot be contained. The 
genius of their shared vision and commitment to social justice shines 
brightly and for all to see.
  Rabbi Weiss' work isn't limited to the confines of any city or 
synagogue, nor has he shied away from raising his voice to lift the 
oppressed. He says that he is an activist because he has no other 
choice; it is something he must simply do.
  I believe that my dear friend responds to the calling laid out by his 
faith. Rabbi Weiss is compelled to act in the service of others and to 
live by the spirit of tzedakcah. It is reflective in all that he has 
done and all that he strives to do.
  It is why his voice will always be heard in support of the oppressed. 
It is why he participated in a hunger strike urging the release of 
Soviet dissident Natan Sharanskcy. It is why he protested for the right 
of Soviet Jews to leave their homeland and seek haven elsewhere and it 
is why he denounced horrendous acts of genocide in Darfur.
  Rabbi Weiss founded Yeshivat Chovevei Rabbinical School in order to 
train a new generation of Orthodox rabbis to live with the spirit of 
openness that he himself exemplifies. Under Rabbi Weiss' guidance, 
students learn how to serve not just the Orthodox community, but also 
the larger Jewish diaspora. Yeshivat Chovevei Rabbinical School is a 
family that continues to grow as each graduate takes their place in the 
rabbinate. I have watched its legacy grow and pray for its continued 
prosperity.
  Rabbi Weiss is so well-known, that whenever I tell people I am from 
the Bronx they immediately ask if I know Rabbi Weiss. I cannot be any 
more pleased to say that not only does he live in my District, but he 
is also my neighbor and dear friend.
  I would be remiss if I neglected to say that behind every good Rabbi 
is an equally strong woman who supports him. Toby Weiss has been both 
his guiding light and the foundation that gives him the strength to 
carry forth his work.
  Religious leaders embody our hopes, aspirations and even our 
trepidations and fears. We look to them for guidance--for a path in 
which to follow--so that we might overcome the challenges before us in 
our own lives.
  Rabbi Avi Weiss and his wife Toby are truly exemplary individuals and 
leaders within the Bronx community. Please join me in celebrating their 
legacy as Yeshivat Chovevei Rabbinical School honors them for their 
service and enduring commitment to making the world a better place to 
live.

                          ____________________