Join us with special guest scholar, Rabbi Scott Weiner, as we explore the long Jewish history of alcohol, from ancient to modern times. Over thousands of years, alcohol has played an important role in Jewish life, though the relationship between Jews and booze has its ups and downs! Together, we will explore that history, from Genesis to today. Along the way, we will see how Judaism has been both defined by alcohol, and how Jews shaped the global spirits industry over the last thousand years. We will see how those unique histories combined to make Jews the linchpin in the creation of the most American of liquors: bourbon! You will see how Jews turned rye into riches and corn into gold and we’ll taste our way through history with flights of whiskey throughout! Come hungry to learn and thirsty to experience select bottles in a whole new, Jewish way!
About Rabbi Scott Weiner, Founding Rabbi, Tamid Westchester:
Scott Weiner was ordained as a rabbi by the Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion in 2004. He also holds a Masters of Hebrew Letters from HUC-JIR. Rabbi Scott obtained a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs at SUNY Albany, where he also received his BA in Judaic Studies. Prior to founding Tamid Westchester Synagogue, Scott was the Senior Rabbi at Temple Israel of New Rochelle for 11 years and the Rabbi of the Hebrew Tabernacle Congregation in Manhattan for 5 years. He is also a former camp director, youth director, and Israel guide.
Rabbi Scott is the immediate Past-President of the Inter-religious Coalition of New Rochelle, and serves many civic and social justice organizations. He is a member of the Central Conference of American Rabbis.
Rabbi Scott’s interests include a love of all sports, both as spectator and participant – he’s a 23-time marathoner. He also has taken a keen interest in whiskey – his personal collection includes more than 70 bottles from around the world, he’s visited distilleries and, recently, participated in the blending and barrelling of a one-of-a-kind bourbon.
Scott has been married to Limor for 23 years and they are very proud parents of two daughters, Jordan and Carmel, and Latke the dog!
