New film shines light on Weiss’ activist life

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When Riverdalian Phil Schneider approached Rabbi Avi Weiss, one of the Bronx’s most eminent Jewish leaders, about producing a documentary about his activism and progressive ideals in orthodoxy over the years, he was initially reluctant to be in the spotlight.

“While he is a really large public figure, he didn’t want to be the center of attention of a movie,” explained Mr. Schneider, who directed and produced the new film, “Righteous Rebel.”  “It took a significant amount of time before he said, ‘ok.’”

Mr. Schneider said Rabbi Weiss agreed to participate in the documentary, which he began working on about three years ago, after realizing that the film would allow his messages of compassion, acceptance and love to reach more people around the world.

“It’s a movie about principle and action and inspiring us to be better people,” said Mr. Schneider, a follower of Rabbi Weiss. “I just became so fascinated with how an individual can have that much strength and no matter what the pushback was, he just maintained that. It hit me right there. Someone has to share this man with the larger world.”

The Hebrew Institute of Riverdale (HIR) screened “Righteous Rebel” on Nov. 8 — shortly after the rabbi announced in October that he would “step back” from the senior rabbinic position at HIR, a congregation that was founded in a basement boiler room more than 40 years ago. 

According to Mr. Schneider, the two Saturday screenings drew about 675 people.  

The documentary features archival footage and interviews with friends, followers and family of the 70-year-old Jewish leader. They provide commentary on Rabbi Weiss’ extensive history of activism, including his involvement rallying amid the 1991 race riots in Crown Heights and the movement to free Soviet Jewry. 

HIR’s Rabbi Steven Exler explained,  “Few people understand how he’s able to be out at a rally and at someone’s hospital bed [and] speaking and teaching — all in the same day with full commitment. The film is showing that full picture and helping people to see all aspects.” 

Avi Weiss, Righteous Rebel, Hebrew Institute of Riverdale, documentary, Tanisia Morris
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