Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow of Shir Hadash Synagogue will be heading to Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, on June 9 to receive his Doctor of Divinity Degree. The honor is to be given out during the annual commencement exercises of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College held at Congregation Kenneth Israel.
The Doctor of Divinity Degree is an honorary degree given out by the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College (RRC). The degree is given out to those who have been ordained as a rabbi for 25 years, and have been involved in the Reconstructionist movement. It is considered a norm and tradition in the community to be given this honor at the annual commencement exercises.
“Life is a journey, and there have been great successes as well as great challenges in my career” said Weiner-Kaplow. “Yet over the 25 years, I feel I’ve grown in many ways, certainly in my knowledge, my experience, and my wisdom.”
Weiner-Kaplow, who received his bachelor’s degree in Old World Archeology at Rutgers University and his Master’s Degree of Science and Social Work at the University of Wisconsin, graduated from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in 1988. Since then, he has worked as a rabbi at Congregation Kol Emet, Temple Beth-El, and Congregation Beth Shalom. In 1995, he became the founding rabbi of Shir Hadash Synagogue, which has since grown from 6 to 170 families.
The honor comes at a significant time for Shir Hadash, as in coincides with the opening of the synagogue’s first building. The building, located at 200 W. Dundee Road in Wheeling, is set to open on August 18.
“The fact that this degree comes at the same time as acquiring the building is both meaningful and significant.” said Weiner-Kaplow. “I continue to grow and learn and develop my skills as a rabbi, and through that, I can continue to serve Shir Hadash as a rabbi and spiritual leader.”
Shir Hadash Synagogue attracts members from Northbrook, Glenview, Deerfield, Highland Park, Wheeling, Buffalo Grove, Arlington Heights and Palatine as well as Chicago, Skokie, Park Ridge, Barrington, and Gurnee. For more information, visit www.shir-hadash.org, or call (847) 498-8218.
