Rabbi
Hyim Shafner has been rabbi of Bais Abraham
Congregation since July, 2004. He has Smicha (rabbinical
ordination), a Masters degree in Social Work (MSW), and an
MA in Jewish philosophy, all from Yeshiva University in New
York City.
Before becoming our rabbi, Rabbi Shafner was the Campus
Rabbi of the Hillel at Washington University in St. Louis
for 8 years. Under his religious guidance Hillel and
Washington University's diverse Jewish life experienced
great growth, from an expanded kosher food program, to
deeper Jewish spiritual knowledge and a new growing Orthodox
minyan.
Rabbi Shafner considers himself blessed to have spent
much time with Bais Abe's former rabbi,
Rabbi Magence, over the past few
years, learning from him and from his unique ability to
speak to all Jews and help them to grow spiritually. Bais
Abraham is excited about having a vibrant rabbi who can
follow in Rabbi Magence's footsteps of deep Jewish learning
combined with openness to all people and love for all Jews.
Before coming to St. Louis, Rabbi Shafner was the
community Rabbi of Bombay, India, where he and his wife,
Sara Winkelman, spent a year working with the Jews of India.
They have three small children, Benny, Yonah, and Hava.
Rabbi Abraham Magence
z'l (1920-2003) was the Rabbi of Bais Abraham Congregation
from 1975 until his death. He was legendary for his warmth,
devotion to Yiddishkeit, and genuine love for all Jews
regardless of affiliation.
Rabbi Magence was born in Poland, where his father and
grandfather were rabbis. He studied with many of the
luminaries of the pre-war yeshiva world of Eastern Europe.
Rabbi Magence spent the war years as a fugitive from Nazi
and Soviet persecution and most of his family was killed in
the Holocaust. He came to St. Louis in 1950 and began a
career as a mohel, teacher, and rabbi that touched literally
thousands of lives.
In 2000, the Riverfront Times chose Rabbi Magence as "Best
Rabbi".
 View
Rabbi Shafner's profile by the Rabbinical
Council of America |
Meet
the Rabbi