Rabbi Andrea Weiss Obituary NEW YORK — Rabbi Andrea Weiss, 64, provost of the Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) and a leading voice in progressive Jewish education and spiritual life, has died, her family and institution announced Friday. Weiss passed away Thursday evening after a brief illness, leaving behind a legacy of visionary scholarship, heartfelt mentorship, and fierce commitment to ethical leadership.
A native of California, Rabbi Weiss dedicated her life to theological study, interfaith dialogue, and the training of future Jewish leaders. After earning her rabbinic ordination and doctoral degree, she joined the faculty of HUC-JIR, where her insight into Jewish texts and contemporary ethical issues quickly distinguished her as a scholar and educator of exceptional depth.
She was appointed provost — the chief academic officer of the institution — in 2018, overseeing HUC-JIR’s campuses in Cincinnati, New York, Los Angeles and Jerusalem. In that role, Rabbi Weiss guided curricular innovation, championed inclusion and equity, and strengthened the college’s commitment to preparing rabbis, cantors and Jewish communal professionals for service in an evolving and diverse world.
Colleagues remember Weiss as a thoughtful leader whose warmth and integrity shaped both institutional policy and personal relationships. “Andrea had the rare gift of bringing intellectual rigor together with compassion,” said President Aaron D. Panken (HUC-JIR emeritus). “Her influence reached far beyond our classrooms — she transformed lives.”
Rabbi Weiss was also widely respected for her published work on Jewish law, feminist theology, and contemporary ethics, and she regularly spoke at national and international conferences on religion, social justice, and academic leadership.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Weiss was beloved for her generosity, her deep commitment to family, and her devotion to community. She maintained close ties with students and alumni, many of whom described her as a mentor whose guidance shaped their personal and professional journeys.
She is survived by her spouse, two children, extended family, and a wide network of colleagues and friends whose lives were enriched by her presence. A private funeral service will be held on Monday, with a public memorial planned on campus at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that contributions be made to scholarship funds supporting students at HUC-JIR, reflecting Rabbi Weiss’s lifelong dedication to expanding access to Jewish learning and leadership.
Rabbi Andrea Weiss’s legacy — as an educator, a leader, and a compassionate spiritual guide — will continue to inspire generations of students and communities around the world.