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In Memoriam: Chana Weinberg (1927–2012)

Feb 13, 2012 — Categories:

I met Chana Weinberg in the early 1980’s as part of the Jewish Advisory Committee to FaithTrust Institute. I think she was probably the first Orthodox Jewish woman whom I ever met. Maybe I was the first Protestant woman pastor she had ever met.

I met Chana Weinberg in the early 1980’s as part of the Jewish Advisory Committee to FaithTrust Institute.  I think she was probably the first Orthodox Jewish woman whom I ever met.  Maybe I was the first Protestant woman pastor she had ever met.  We came from completely different worlds but we both cared about victims of domestic violence.  Chana was one of the first Orthodox leaders to offer shelter to battered women.  She was generous, open hearted and unwilling to look away from injustice towards women.  Her memory is a blessing.

Rev. Dr. Marie Fortune
FaithTrust Institute


As shared by The Orthodox Union: Enhancing Jewish Life

January 23, 2012

Together with the rest of the Torah world, the Orthodox Union mourns the passing this morning of Rebbetzin Chana Weinberg a"h. Reb. Weinberg was the widow of the late Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Ner Israel of Baltimore, Rav Yaakov Weinberg zt"l, and the daughter of its founding Rosh Yeshiva, Rav Yitzchok Y. Ruderman zt"l.

She was a beloved teacher and leader in her own right, demonstrated a motherly concern for many talmidim, and cultivated a close relationship with many individuals throughout all sectors of the Baltimore community. She was particularly concerned with victims of domestic violence, and was one of the pioneer advocates for the cause of victims of abuse. She was responsible for the establishment of "safe houses" for such victims and was involved with many other chesed causes.

Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Weinreb, EVPE of the OU, who worked collaboratively with Rebbetzin Weinberg on many projects when he was a congregational rabbi in Baltimore expressed his sorrow on her passing, saying "Rebbetzin Weinberg's compassion for the suffering of others was matched by her courage in speaking out on many causes which were unpopular. Literally hundreds of Baltimore residents are indebted to her for her protective stance and her unwavering support. She was, in many ways, the conscience of the greater Baltimore rabbinate, never hesitating to goad us toward providing for the needs of the downtrodden. She was a beacon of confidence and optimism and an example for us all. She will be sorely missed."

The Orthodox Union extends condolences to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and to the many who looked to her as a source of hope and illumination.

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