Simcha holds a bachelors degree in Film History from the Manchester Metropolitan University, England. Following graduation, he became an associate for the British Film Commission and coordinated the production of hundreds of feature films throughout the United Kingdom. They say that “when man makes plans, God laughs.” As Simcha began to rediscover his spiritual roots, his path veered from show business to the yeshiva, and he eventually became a rabbi.
Today he chairs the Religious Affairs Committee at the renowned New York art school, Pratt Institute. Simcha also serves as rabbi to Long Island College Hospital and is the founder of the downtown Brooklyn Jewish Student Foundation, an educational and cultural center that strives to ignite Jewish pride and values through innovative educational and social experiences in an open environment. Simcha’s unique background and life experiences have led him to reconsider the popular culture of his youth through the lens of his commitment to Jewish ethics and spirituality. This one-of-a-kind perspective, along with his wit, makes him an entertaining and much sought-after public speaker.
He and his wife Ariella have 3 young children and live in Brooklyn Heights, New York.
This lecture was delivered at the 4th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.
Rabbi Simcha Weinstein (1)