"The Importance of Israel to American Jews"

Daniel Weiner - Senior Rabbi

Temple De Hirsch Sinai
Senior Rabbi Daniel Weiner of Temple De Hirsch Sinai in Seattle and Bellevue will share an overview of why Israel is so vital to American Jews. In addition, he is willing to answer questions about the current conflict.

About the Speaker

Senior Rabbi Daniel Weiner believes passionately in building Judaism for the 21st century and in healing the world through social justice. Temple De Hirsch Sinai has grown to more than 5000 members and 1,600 families in two campuses in Seattle and Bellevue since he took charge in 2001.
He has served congregations in Baltimore, Maryland and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. His innovations in worship include producing “rabcasts” on video, streaming services on the internet, and leading a rock band in popular Rock Shabbat services. He tweets @rocknrabbidanny.
Weiner and his team won the Union of Reform Judaism’s Fain Award for their campaign on gun responsibility. Rabbi Weiner’s efforts with other clergy contributed to the founding of the Washington Alliance for Gun Responsibility, which drafted and helped pass a number of key initiatives, placing Washington State at the forefront of efforts to reduce gun violence.
He is part of the first cohort of Rukin Fellows for 18 Doors (formerly Interfaith Family.com), an organization dedicated to embracing and supporting couples and families from multi-heritage backgrounds.
He has served on numerous boards, including various committees of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, chaired local rabbinic boards, and served on multiple national boards of Jewish organizations. In 2023, Rabbi Weiner was elected to the Board of Governors of the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion.
Rabbi Weiner cherishes teaching as one of his most critical rabbinic roles. He has taught at various colleges and universities, with a special emphasis on his role at Seattle University as instructor, member of various advisory committees, and a catalyser in the creation of the Center for Religious Wisdom and World Affairs.
His rabbinate places a special emphasis on interfaith and ecumenical efforts, working closely with the Episcopal and Catholic Dioceses, and creating bonds of partnership and faith with local African American churches.
His columns have appeared in The Seattle Times, The Forward, and Haaretz. Weiner wrote “Good God: Faith for the Rest of Us” about the dangerous polarization between fanatical faith and soulless secularism.
Weiner is married to Cindy Tepper Weiner of Baltimore. They are the proud parents of Julia and Benjamin. He frequently enjoys the glorious climes of the Pacific Northwest while walking their black lab, Sadie.