Andrea Weiss (rabbi)

Andrea Weiss was a prominent American rabbi and author who made significant contributions to the field of Judaism. Born in 1965, she pursued a career in religious education and leadership, culminating in her ordination as a rabbi in 1993 from Hebrew Union College. Weiss went on to earn a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania in 2004, further solidifying her expertise in biblical studies. Her academic and professional accomplishments led to her appointment as Associate Professor of Bible and Director of the Rabbinical School at Hebrew Union College.

Weiss's distinguished career was marked by several notable achievements. She served as associate editor of The Torah: A Women’s Commentary, published in 2008, which showcased her scholarship and commitment to promoting women's perspectives in religious discourse. In 2018, she became the provost of Hebrew Union College, a position she held until 2025. A milestone in her career came in 2019 when she became the first woman to ordain rabbis and cantors in the Jewish Reform Movement, a testament to her trailblazing spirit and dedication to advancing women's roles in religious leadership. Weiss passed away in 2026, leaving behind a legacy of scholarship, leadership, and pioneering achievements in the field of Judaism.