Guest post from Rabbi Jay Weinstein, member of the Advisory Committee for Transforming Beitech/a 2011
I am blessed to have been called by G-d to become a Rabbi and honored to serve Congregation Simchat HaLev as Rabbi and Spiritual Leader. As a wandering Jew myself, I understand what it feels like to search for a meaningful Judaism, and I pray that I will continue to inspire my congregants of all ages to be Jews who love Judaism, spirituality, tradition, and have a connection with G-d, the Source of All Life.
For me, I believe that all of life is learning. 
Each aspect invaluable. It was not only rabbinical school, the study of our sacred texts, the stories of our people; it is going into the community to see what the people are doing: listening, walking the path with them in their joy and in their pain, sorrow and fear, and witnessing their learning and growth.
I am a graduate of the Aleph Rabbinic Seminary, and I bring to my rabbinate and congregation my experiences as a father of seven, a nurse, psychotherapist, hospital chaplain, and bereavement specialist. I am a member of OHALAH – The Association of Rabbis for Jewish Renewal, The National Association of Jewish Chaplains, The Syosset Interfaith Clergy Council, Big Tent Judaism, and the Jewish Outreach Institute.
I am honored to serve on the Advisory Board of this Conference. As a Rabbi, I have always had a deep respect for the work being done by Congregation Beit Simchat Torah in the areas of inclusivity and serving all of G-d’s children. Today, I am a student, witness and teacher. As I serve, I hope that I will be “present” for presenters and attendees offering insight and assistance, and hope that I will continue to learn ways for my congregation to not only say that we are welcoming, but to be truly become a welcoming house of prayer and learning, infused with tradition for ALL PEOPLE.
