Arnold Scheinberg

1940 - 2021

Arnold ("Aryeh") Scheinberg, Rabbi of Congregation Rodfei Sholom in San Antonio, Texas, passed away on June 17, 2021. He was born on June 30, 1940, to Rabbi Abraham and Ada Scheinberg in New York. He received a B.A. from Yeshiva University and his ordination from Yeshiva Chaim Berlin.

Rabbi Scheinberg began his rabbinic career as an Assistant Rabbi at the Hebrew Alliance of Brighton Beach, New York, where his father had served as Rabbi for 37 years until his death. He became a Texan in 1970 when he assumed his pulpit as Rabbi of Congregation Rodfei Sholom in downtown San Antonio. During his 50-year tenure, the synagogue moved to its present northwest location. With his knowledge, wisdom, spirituality, sense of humor, and magnetic personality, he attracted Jews from all walks of life and built a thriving and active Jewish congregation. He presided over his congregation with a steady hand, a level head, and a generous heart.

Beyond the walls of Congregation Rodfei Sholom, Rabbi Scheinberg was a wise and passionate force for harmony and unity of the San Antonio Jewish community for decades. His reputation for community cooperation has been recognized nationally and internationally.

In addition, Rabbi Scheinberg played a key and unique role in building bridges between the Jewish and Christian communities. In particular, he formed a working relationship and a deep, life-long friendship with Pastor John Hagee of Cornerstone Church.

He served as Chair of the Rabbinical Advisory Board for Christians United for Israel, which is now the largest and most influential Christian organization in the world in support of Israel. And, in 2010, he and former San Antonio Mayor, Henry Cisneros, founded "Bridges & Pathways," a Latino-Jewish Dialogue, to strengthen the historical bonds between the two communities and to collaborate in areas of mutual concern.

Among his many passions, Rabbi Scheinberg was a staunch supporter of the State of Israel. In 1981, he and Pastor Hagee organized the first "Night To Honor Israel." This annual event, which gathers thousands of people of all faiths in support of Israel, spurred communities in cities throughout America, South America, and England to do the same.

He also acted as advisor to John Hagee Ministry's annual charitable donations of millions of dollars to help Israel and strengthen world Jewry.

In 2001, he founded the Israel Public Action Committee of Congregation Rodfei Sholom (IPA), which encourages action and advocacy for Israel, fights anti-Israel media bias, and works with different organizations in Israel in that effort. Under his leadership, the IPA received an award from the Orthodox Union for exposing anti-Israel media bias, resulting in changes that remain today.

Rabbi Scheinberg was often honored and received many awards over the years, including the Man of the Year award from the State of Israel Bonds,

the Young Leadership Award from the Jewish Federation of San Antonio, the Brotherhood-Sisterhood Humanitarian Award from The National Conference for Christians & Jews, and the Rabbinical Award from United Jewish Communities presented at the General Assembly in Jerusalem, Israel, for his leadership and dedicated service to the San Antonio community. In addition, he was invited to attend the ceremony for the opening of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem on May 14, 2018.

Rabbi Scheinberg had an uncanny ability to relate to people of all ages – from young children and adolescents to adults and senior citizens.

He was always approachable and formed life-long bonds through his sensitivity, common sense, and good counsel.

Rabbi Scheinberg left an indelible mark on San Antonio and beyond. His positive influence will continue to be felt for generations.

He was deeply loved and admired, and he will be greatly missed by all.

Rabbi Scheinberg was the patriarch of his ever-growing family.

He is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Judy, his children, Moshe (Elisheva), Herschel (Sara Aliza), Yehoshua (Zeeva), and Avraham (Michal), his grandchildren, great-grandchild, and many other close relatives.

A memorial service was held on Friday, June 18th. He will be laid to rest in his beloved spiritual homeland of Israel.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rabbi Scheinberg's memory may be made to Congregation Rodfei Sholom.