As Rabbi Ezra and Adina Wiener prepare to make aliyah in the coming weeks, members of Teaneck’s Cong. Rinat Yisrael felt it fitting to honor their assistant rabbi and rebbetzin with one final celebration before they leave. “Knowing that the Wieners value Torah learning above all else, we decided to organize a surprise shul-wide siyum Mishnayos in their honor,” said Rinat board member Shira Forman, who added that as soon as the email circulated, 150 families signed up to participate, an obvious testament to the Wieners and their impact on the community.
This past Shabbat after the 9 a.m. minyan, members packed the main shul to be part of the surprise presentation. The siyum was preceded by a short poem (see sidebar) written by Dina Geilchinsky and delivered by her husband, Adam Loskove, a nod to the poetic mastery that Rabbi Wiener has shared with the congregation from time to time and something Rinat members have come to love and anticipate. The program continued with a dvar Torah from David Schiff, who completed the final Mishna and recited the hadrans. The Wieners were visibly moved by the experience, expressing tremendous appreciation for such a meaningful honor.
“Rabbi Ezra and Adina Wiener have lovingly dedicated themselves to Rinat in so many ways—but first and foremost in their teaching of Torah,” said Rabbi Chaim Strauchler, mara d’asra of Congregation Rinat Yisrael. “The fact that a community would say ‘goodbye’ in this way is not just a testament to Rinat’s love for Torah learning but also a reflection of the messages and leadership that Rabbi Ezra and Adina have shared over the years. We will say as part of the siyum the words hadran alach. We never ‘finish’ learning. The same can be said for our appreciation for and our hopes for a continued relationship with the Wieners. Hadran aleichem.”
Throughout his tenure, Rabbi Weiner has led the kehillah with wisdom and compassion, guiding the community with constant kindness and unwavering dedication. Rebbetzin Adina, known for her warmth and support, has been instrumental in cultivating a sense of belonging among congregants, and forging meaningful connections with members young and old. Together they have been a source of inspiration to everyone they know.
For members of the shul, Rabbi Ezra and Adina are more than the assistant rabbi and rebbetzin, they are friends, leaders and role models. As the time draws closer to say goodbye, many have tried to articulate what the Wieners mean to them on an individual level and on a communal level as well.
“Not only has Rabbi Wiener inspired us with his words of Torah over this past decade, but Rabbi Wiener and Adina have uplifted our community by their example and through the relationships they have formed with so many of us,” said Rinat President Natan Krohn. “We felt that a siyum Mishnayos in their honor would serve as a fitting representation of both the commitment to Torah learning they continue to inspire, and their influence on our community that will endure, even if Rinat is no longer their permanent home.”
“The siyum was just a small token of the community’s immense gratitude to Rabbi Wiener and Adina for everything they do—much of it quiet and behind the scenes,” said Chanie and Jeff Kohn. “The Wieners are this rare blend of Torah, chesed and life wisdom, but are also so approachable and down to earth. We are personally very grateful to Rabbi Wiener and Adina for always being there for us no matter the day or time.”
Sarah Wagner offered words of Torah that truly capture the essence of the Wieners and what they represent to the community:
Following the incident in which Yitzchak blesses Yaakov with the bracha intended for Eisav, and vice versa, Yaakov and Eisav leave home and go their separate ways. Regarding Yaakov, the Torah informs us: וַיֵּצֵ֥א יַעֲקֹ֖ב מִבְּאֵ֣ר שָׁ֑בַע וַיֵּ֖לֶךְ חָרָֽנָה
Rashi comments that “It need have written simply ‘And Jacob went to Haran’; why then does it mention his departure from Beersheba? But it intends to tell us that the departure of a righteous person from his city makes an impression. As long as a righteous man is in his city, he is its glory and splendor and beauty; when he leaves it, there departs also its glory, its splendor and its beauty. This, too, is the meaning of (Ruth 1:7) ‘And she went forth out of the place,’ stated about Naomi and Ruth (Genesis Rabbah 68:6).”
We in Teaneck are similarly situated as those residing in Be’er Sheva upon Yaakov’s departure. It is impossible that the absence of two people who have done as much for our community as Rabbi Ezra and Adina Weiner will not be keenly felt, if not fondly recalled. Our debt to them may never be repaid in full but our gratitude for their many contributions is immense. May they find happiness, health and success in their new home and community and continue to be a source of pride for us and all of Klal Yisrael.
Despite the physical distance, Rabbi Wiener has assured the community that his commitment to teaching Torah will continue. “We are excited that even after his aliyah Rabbi Wiener will iy”H be maintaining an active connection with Rinat as a Torah MiZion Scholar, with plans for a weekly shiur via Zoom, two regular WhatsApp shiurim, as well as an annual Scholar-in-Residence Shabbos with the community,” said Krohn.
Saying goodbye to the Wieners has evoked a bittersweet mix of emotions. Their departure represents the end of an era for Rinat and the community, but it also marks new beginnings for the Wieners that all anticipate will be filled with great things. The Jewish Link and the entire community wish tzaitchem l’shalom to Rabbi Ezra and Adina and offer heartfelt wishes for continued success and fulfillment in Eretz Yisrael.
