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November 10, 2002
Rothman Honors Accomplishments Of Top
Bergen & Hudson County Rabbi
Pays Tribute To Rabbi Mordecai and Ellie Weiss As They Prepare To Move To Israel

Woodcliff Lake, NJ - Speaking at the Friends of Lubavitch of Bergen County’s Silver Anniversary Dinner, Congressman Steve Rothman (D-NJ9) tonight recognized that organization’s Executive Director, Rabbi Mordecai Weiss and his wife Ellie, for their more than 20 years of service to the Jewish community in Bergen and Hudson Counties. The Weiss’ plan to make “aliyah” (Hebrew for permanently moving to Israel) next July along with all of their 10 children and one grandson.

“Whether it is through his work at Chabad Outreach Centers across Northern New Jersey, or through his work with adult education programs, youth activities, college outreach, chaplaincy at hospitals, nursing homes, and even the county jail, Rabbi Mordecai Weiss has worked tirelessly to strengthen the Bergen and Hudson County communities,” Rothman said. “Countless men, women, and children in Northern New Jersey have felt a stronger connection to their community as a result of the outstanding efforts of Rabbi Mordecai and Ellie Weiss. The entire community is very grateful for their efforts.”

Prior to becoming Executive Director in 1989, Rabbi Weiss served as the Activities Director for the organization. As an active member of the community, Rabbi Weiss serves as the Chaplain of the Teaneck Ambulance Corps, Chaplain of the Teaneck Fire Department, Chaplain of the Bergen County Jail, and as an Emergency Medical Technician, where he served as a Captain of the Ambulance Corps. He is also a member of the Teaneck Clergy Council as well as a member of the Teaneck Advisory Board on Community Relations.

“From the very first time I met with Rabbi Mordecai Weiss and his wife Ellie, it was clear to me that they were remarkable human beings and outstanding members of the Jewish community and the Northern New Jersey community as a whole,” Rothman said. “Rabbi Mordecai Weiss and Ellie Weiss have used their position as leaders of this community to touch countless lives. I wish them and all of their children the very best with their lives in Israel.”

Rothman also used the forum to reiterate his steadfast support for the State of Israel, which he considers American’s number one ally and strategic partner in the Middle East. When they move to Israel in July, Rabbi Weiss and his wife will join their daughter, Tova Bracha, and her husband Ari, and their son, Nachum Aharon, who already live there. The Weiss’ nine other children - Avrohom Moshe, Charna, Yaakov Yoel, Chaya Mushka, Levi Yitzchok, Bas-Sheva, Menachem Mendel, Shimon Sholom, and Chana Malka - will also move to Israel. The Friends of Lubavitch of Bergen County serves the Jewish communities of Bergen and Hudson Counties.