Weiler, Moses Cyrus

WEILER, Rabbi Moses Cyrus. B.A., B.H., D.D. Former Chief Minister of the United Progressive Jewish Congregation of Johannesburg. Born Riga, Latvia, 23rd March, 1907. son of Zalman Ber and Hannah Weiler. Educated in Israel and at Hebrew Union College, Cincinnati, U.S.A. Came to South Africa 1936 in response to a call to establish Johannesburg's first Jewish Reform Congregation and become its Minister. Built up the three Services Johannesburg Temples which together constitute the United Progressive Jewish Congregation, of which he was elected Chief Minister. Pioneered the establishment of Reform Congregations in other South African cities. Pioneered the South African Union for Progressive Judaism, of which he was elected Life President. He also served as Vice-President of the World Union for Progressive Judaism. Participated widely in communal work, both Jewish and general. Was Vice-President of the S.A. Friends of the Hebrew University and of Magen David Adom in South Africa: National Vice-President, Israeli United Appeal; Executive member, S.A. Zionist Federation and S.A. Jewish Board of Deputies; Hon. President, S.A. Ort-Óze; member of the World Ort Executive; Council member of the World Hebrew Union; Committee member, S.A. Jewish Orphanage: Committee member, Johannesburg Hospital Appeal: Executive member, Johannesburg Marriage Guidance Council; member of the Committee on Native Housing set up by the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce; member of the Johannesburg Co-ordinating Council of Social Welfare Organisations; member of numerous other bodies. Married Una Gelman, 1942; five sons, one daughter. Retired 1957 to settle in Israel, where he now lives.