By COLlive reporter
The name and tall frame of Rabbi Kehos Weiss have became known for generations to come for escorting the Rebbe during his rare visit to Camp Gan Israel in New York.
The black and white photos of him walking alongside the Rebbe on 15 Tammuz 5720 (1960), one of the Rebbe’s three visits out of New York City after assuming leadership of Chabad, were published in a book and documented on video.
But he wasn’t only the first director of the first Chabad overnight boys camp which grow to be the largest Jewish summer camp network worldwide.
A new 210 page paperback titled “Rabbi Weiss: The Life and Legacy of Rabbi Kehos Weiss” presents him in full color as a devoted chossid and Shliach who enriched the lives of many.
A native Pittsburgher, Rabbi Weiss was one of the first 6 students in the inaugural class of the Yeshiva Achei Tmimim of Pittsburgh.
At age 11, he left home for Brooklyn, NY to continue his studies in the famous Lubavitcher Yeshiva on Bedford and Dean. He studied diligently and excelled in both Chassidic teachings and Talmudic texts and was well thought of by students and teachers alike.
In 1956 the Rebbe himself suggested the shidduch between Kehos and Miriam Dubinsky, and the Rebbe officiated at their marriage.
When the initial plans for the first Chabad boy’s camp was suggested to the Rebbe, he agreed but with one condition, “You must find someone who is totally dependable to be responsible for the camp.”
Rabbi Weiss’s name was offered; the Rebbe consented, and Camp Gan Yisroel, the largest Jewish network of camps was born.
In 1962 Rabbi Weiss was sent to Pittsburgh as a Shliach of the Rebbe, to assist Rabbi Sholom Posner with the Yeshiva’s growth. For the next 40 years he completely dedicated himself and was an essential part of Pittsburgh’s Jewish Community.
Rabbi Weiss made a large, indelible, impression on the lives of everyone who knew him. His good works were performed quietly, selflessly, honestly, sincerely, and always with good humor, warmth, and total devotion. His principles were the highest. Rabbi Kehos Weiss dedicated his life serving as Rav, Shliach, and friend, with an abundant love for all Jews.
After his early demise, many had personal stories to relate; each sure that they alone were the lucky recipient of his genuine warmth, enthusiasm and caring.
The book presents the outpouring of love and admiration expressed for Rabbi Weiss by former colleagues, students, friends, and family members.
What also can be felt throughout the book, compiled by the family, is his warmth and humor of a teacher, colleague, community leader, rabbi and most of all, as a beloved friend.
Get it on Amazon.com
Without reading the book, I was always amazed at the greatness of Reb Kehos Weiss as I remember him from camp and later when he would come from time to time to CH NY to visit after he moved to Pittsburgh, Always a kind word and showed his love to each and every Jew.
He was a real Giant of a men (no pun intended) a giant in every sense of the word. Character, kindness and overall a real chosid and mentch.
I cannot even begin to count the number of people, including myself, who were welcomed into the Yeshiva in Pgh with open arms by Rabbi Weiss. Whether able to pay tuition or not, this man changed the lives of hundreds of people by allowing them to have a Jewish education. Many are frum today, including Shluchim. Countless more are able to know and recognize that they are Jews because of this man. May his memory be a blessing for his family and all those who came across him. I say Lovingly…you coinred me ‘The Wandering Jew.’
I had the honor of meeting and knowing Rabbi Weiss in Pittsburgh. He was a gentle giant. He will forever be missed. His legacy and sweet medos are often seen within his beautiful family……. He liked me, even with all the trouble I caused….
Not only was Kehos tall in height, but also in doing favors quietly whenever anyone needed it; witty, gentle, and very smart – a true mentch in every aspect. He was an expert in leyening, and always shared his knowledge in many diverse areas, with young and old. Yhei zichro baruch, and may we all be very soon reunited with the coming of Moshiach Tzidkeinu.
Kehos was very special. Quiet, Aidel, gentel, Talmid Chochem and very knowledgeable. He had a sweet personality. Very beloved by those he met.