Rabbi Eric B. Wisnia
1949 – 2023
Rabbi Eric B. Wisnia passed away on Friday, September 29, 2023.
He was the devoted husband of Judith Glassburg Wisnia for 52 years, and is survived by his children, Sara and Avi Wisnia; siblings Karen Wisnia (Kirk Wattles), Jana Dickstein (I Lee Dickstein), Michael Wisnia (Misa Wisnia), Michele Glassburg (Eldred Bullard), and Sandra Sloane (Bruce Solomon). He was also the father of the late Dov Benjamin Wisnia. He is remembered and loved by all of his many family members and countless friends, colleagues, and congregants.
Eric was born on November 6, 1949 in Brooklyn, NY, the son of Cantor David and Dr. Hope Wisnia, and was raised in Levittown, PA. He raised his own family in East Windsor, NJ, and later resided in Yardley and Dresher, PA.
Rabbi Wisnia graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Thought from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia in 1970. He received a Master of Hebrew Letters and was ordained at the Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, OH, in May 1974. He was awarded a Doctor of Divinity degree in 1999. He served as assistant Rabbi at Congregation Shomer Emunim in Toledo, OH, from 1974 to 1977 before joining Congregation Beth Chaim in Princeton Junction, NJ. Rabbi Wisnia served Congregation Beth Chaim as Senior Rabbi from June 1977 until his retirement in February 2019, when he was named Rabbi Emeritus.
Rabbi Wisnia will be remembered for his exuberance, intelligence, guidance, and humor. He was a prominent religious and community leader who cared deeply about Judaism, Israel, ethics, and education. Over his four decades of leadership at Congregation Beth Chaim, he helped the synagogue grow from 160 to 600 families with comparable growth in the Preschool to 12th-grade religious school. During his tenure, the physical structure of the synagogue was rebuilt and expanded twice. A social action program, a cantor, and a volunteer congregational choir were added to enhance the ritual experience. He taught many classes at Beth Chaim, for both students and adults, while also officiating at well over 4,000 important life cycle events for families all over the country. With his colleagues in the tristate area, he organized and instituted many initiatives and programs that helped nurture a thriving Jewish community and fostered deep interfaith connections. His strong vocal support for the building of the Muslim Center of Greater Princeton in West Windsor led the mosque to honor him with a Community Service Award in December 2014. He believed that “we are all brothers and sisters, and when any of our rights are diminished, all of our rights are diminished.”
During his rabbinic career, Rabbi Wisnia served as President of the Mercer County Board of Rabbis, President of the New Jersey Association of Reform Rabbis, President of the Shore Area Board of Rabbis, and President of the Hightstown Area Ministerium. At the Medical Center at Princeton, he was on the Institutional Review Board for Medical Ethics, was a long-time Chaplaincy Committee member, and was past Chair of the Committee on Religious Ministries. He served the Jewish Committee on Scouting for the Central New Jersey Council Boy Scouts of America. He was also a past chairman of the Board of Directors of the Family Service Agency of Princeton and served on the Board of The National Brain Tumor Association. At the time of his passing, he was working on a book of Jewish Philosophy.
Rabbi Wisnia’s family is grateful that he was able to be a tissue donor and give the gift of life to others.
Funeral services were held on Sunday, October 1, at Congregation Rodeph Shalom in Philadelphia.
Rabbi Wisnia had many famous sayings, but one he loved to espouse the most was: “Prayers don’t change things. Prayers change people, and people change things.” He will be dearly missed by the many souls he brought comfort to in times of need and by everyone he made feel welcome with open arms and a joke for every occasion. His teachings, his words of wisdom, and his puns will live on in all of the lives he changed for the better.
Donations in Rabbi Wisnia’s memory can be made to the National Brain Tumor Society – please designate those donations to “Team Dov.”
https://tinyurl.com/TeamDov2023
Funeral arrangements are by Orland’s Ewing Memorial Chapel. OrlandsMemorialChapel.com
Rabbi Wisnia was not my rabbi but was as my sister’s rabbi tremendously inspiration to both of my parents during their illnesses and subsequent deaths.
I will always remember him fondly
His memory
Will always be a blessing!
I lost a very dear friend. He will be sorely missed but we were lucky to walk life’s journey together. Bennett Miller.
Rabbi Wisnia was a very big part of our lives. He bar-mitzvahed both our sons, Adam and Rob, and both our grandsons Jake and Zach. He was truly loved and will be greatly missed. Ellen and Fred Naddelman
He was an extraordinary human being. I learned so much from his wisdom prior to him officiating my wedding in July 1985. I still quote him to others. He is greatly missed.
Rabbi Eric was our friend and our Rabbi. He touched hundreds of lives and made a difference to us all.
I and my family are saddened by the passing of our Rabbi condolences to the Wisnia family. Eric will be missed.
Rabbi Eric will be SO missed by all who knew & loved him .
We met Rabbi Wisnia through his father David Wisnia, who was our Cantor at Har Sinai. Rabbi Wisnia had a wonderful sense of humor and was a very warm and friendly man. We send our condolences to his family.
Eric was my friend and without him I would not have been a member of a synagogue. He taught me many things. He was funny. He was a great human being. He told me that after life was how you were remembered. My family remembers Eric in the best way possible. We will remember Eric as a great person, a great rabbi and a person who was dear to our family. Love Jay Moorin
We are heartbroken to hear about the loss of a fabulous person Rab Eric . He was like a part of our family. He named each of our 4 children, b’nai mitzvahed each of our children, performed the marriage for our children. We will miss this remarkable man. We offer our sincere condolences to his family.
Diane and Jeff Boyarsky
I was a congregant of Rabbi Wisnia’s for many years. He presided at my dad’s funeral and was the Rabbi when my daughter became a Bat Mitzvah. My deepest condolences to the family. May his memory be a blessing.
My heart is shattered for you Judy, Avi, Sarah and family.
No sympathy is deep enough.
No words are caring enough.
Words are pointless now so I am sending love to you all.
May Eric’s memory guide you and be a blessing.
Iris and Bob Pearson
He was the best of us and would be missed greatly. David and Beverly Weinstein
Deeply saddened by the news of Rabbi Wisnias passing.Always enjoyed his wonderful sense of humor and lessons about life at various services.Had the privilege of seeing him here at Ann’s Choice over the years.He will be missed by all who knew him.Ruth and Peter Worms
Thank you for being a very special person and rabbi. Your influence on the children was amazing and so many went on to be confirmed. It was a privilege to have known you. Your memory will live on in so many.
I am so sorry for this terrible loss to his family and the many people who loved the Rabbi so much. I never called him Eric. He was Rabzie to me.
He was my rabbi and teacher for 40 years. He was the best teacher I ever had. I hung on to his every word and became a better person for it.
I am grateful I had him in my life. There is a big hole now.
He was the best. Was with my family for every occasion from bar/bat mitzvahs for my children and grand children, confirmation, and funerals.
We shall miss him so.
Prayers to Judy and family
I am so saddened to hear of Rabbi Wisnia’s passing. He was not only our rabbi, but also a loving supporter of every congregant. His humor and caring meant so much to each of us and all of our families.
It was a pleasure to know and respect him
My heart breaks at the loss of this kind and sweet man. It seems impossible that there could be a world without his smile and laugh. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. May his memory be a blessing.
So sorry to hear of Eric’s passing
He was a gift to all who knew and loved him.
Sending hugs and love to Judy. Sarah. Avi
Lillie. Hannah. Michele Sandy and the extended family
Gayle Newman
He was the Rabbi for my wedding in 1999 and set the standard for what it means to be a Rabbi. His email address had “rabwiz” in it which exemplifies the type of guy he was. His memory shall forever be a blessing.
My cousin by marriage, and my dad’s longest friend…. Eric held a place in my heart. He shared his love with so many and connected us together at each family event. My heart breaks to know he is no longer here with us. There is no way to fill the hole in his absence with anything but love for each other. Live everyday as of it’s your last. Say I love you each night. Hug those around you. Connect in any way you can. Sending peace, love, and light to my family and friends grieving this loss. May his memory be a blessing.
My husband and I were very saddened to hear of the passing of Rabbi Wisnia. He afficiated the bar mitzvahs of our two sons and baby namings of our two grandsons. He also conducted the funerals of my parents. He was truly a wonderful, caring, and amazing person. His sense of humor and personality were over the top. May Rabbi Eric Wisnia Rest in Peace
He was Rabbi, Rabs, The Wiz. He was the source of great laughter, of wisdom, of learning, and able to help comfort us through the saddest days. We journeyed thru our family life’s milestones with Rabbi Eric and great trips to Israel. He will be sorely missed. Sending Judy, Avi and Sara our love. May his memory be a great blessing and comfort you in this time of grief. Love from Jeri, Scott, Lyndsay and Grant
I will miss my friend very much. He provided both condolence and hope following the loss of my son, Brett. Sadly he suffered a similar loss soon after. He and I met for our annual “Friday before Father’s Day” lunches until this year, when it unfortunately needed to be postponed due to his surgery. Eric and I did meet a month later..laughed, cried and remembered, as we had done in the past. We, as congregants and friends shall all do the same in his memory and honor, moving forward. The Rab was a great leader, person and a very special friend.
Eric was my neighbor in Yardley Estate. We lived on Long acre lane for more than 33 years. Eric joined our breakfast club around 8 years ago where each Friday we met to eat first and discuss the problems of the world. We all enjoyed tremendously his company. Today Friday there were 7 of us but no Eric. It is sad and we will all miss him deeply, his smile, his jovial sense of humor , his intellectualism, and mostly his historical Jewish knowledge. It will never again be the same breakfast on Fridays.
May God bless him for eternity and bless his family ❤️
The Wisnias are family to me and I am devastated by the loss of Eric. There are no words. All my love to Judy, Sarah, and Avi. His memory will always be a blessing.
Eric was my cousin. His parents, Cantor David and Hope Wisnia, were my mother’s cousins and were a constant presence throughout my life.
I don’t think that anyone could have known Eric and not love him. His smile, warmth, humor and joyous spirit were infectious. His knowledge knew no bounds. He was a caring ,and extremely special person. He was family.
Sending my deepest sympathy to Judy, Sara, Avi, and all the family that Eric was so devoted to.
Rest in Peace, “Cuz E” I will miss you!
Rabbi Wisnia left an.indelible mark on all those who knew him and studied under him. I would not be who I am today without his guidance and tutelage.
My deepest condolences to the Wisnia family.
זכרונו לברכה.
Rabbi Wisnia was a true friend to me as a teen. He was so full of energy, and related to us on a level that was different from other adults. He taught us so much about life and then, as we grew older he was there for many of our life events, both happy and sad. He lives on in our hearts and memories. I’m profoundly saddened to hear this news. May God hold him and keep him.
Rabbi Wisnea was a friend as well as a beloved and extraordinary, warm hearted, kind, learned scholar and joyous human being who taught us via class, via sermon, and via example, both in happy times and when tragedy occurred.
My family and I are grippingy saddened by news of his passing.
With sympathy to his wife Judy and his children Avi and Sarah, and may his memory be for a blessing,
His past Beth Chaim congregant,
Maxine Parvin
Very sad news about a very great mad who touched all of those in the Jewish Community and beyond. He could always bring a smile to your face and was always there to share in your sorrow. He was more than our RABBI he was our friend and leader and he will be missed by all of us.
Rabbi Wisnia was my childhood Rabbi and his big booming voice was a a welcome sound into my teenage years. I do not know if it was that his sermons were so good or that I adored a good story but I looked forward to them at every service. My family moved away and I didn’t see the Rabbi for some 20 years. I had started work for a Jewish organization in New Jersey that did interfaith outreach and was in a meeting with several Rabbis from the area. My boss started to introduce me and Rabbi Wisnia looked at me and said this one needs no introduction. She is one of my girls. I do not know how he recognized that scraggly teenage girl in my middle aged face, one in hundreds of girls he had seen through their bat mitzvah over the years. I think that is why he was so beloved. Each member of the congregation was special to him. I will miss him. My condolences to all his family and friends. Such a loss.
Rabbi Eric was a good friend and colleague. His warmth and sense of humor are legendary! My condolences to the family and all who called him friend. May his memory always be for a blessing .
DA RAB
A bright light has left all of our lives. Hundreds of memories pass through our minds of Rab Wiz sharing silly jokes, the Civil War, Judaism, pride, the best hugs, Jewish identity and most importantly- joy.
We loved his heartfelt and humorous sermons.. one of my personal favorites was that G-d was not on the roof of the schul, but everywhere and we could pray anywhere.
As a child, our son, feeling some shpilkes, could be found playing hooky from Sunday school by taking refuge in the Rabbis’ office. Even after copping his weekly candy from the jar on the Rab’s desk, he stayed in the Rab’s office and chatted about middle school issues. The rabbi was always rapt and attentive and it was amazing to find our son so comfortable there.
On the High Holidays, we will always cherish the many times da Rab would pick up the Torah, swivel around to the ark and hold the Torah high up for all to see our precious heritage.
Lucky us, just two weeks ago, my husband and I talked with Da Rab for half hour exploring the Civil War, Grant and the Jews, and what Lincoln wrestled with—the Union and slavery. Da Rab just completed a book about the civil war and another on being a rabbi.
We feel cheated; we are bereft. His gifts of exuberant smile, wit, passion, hugs, love of Judaism and American history will persevere and we will remember and treasure the decades of learning, inspiration and humor that we were privileged to partake of. Da Rab enriched our Jewish community; May his memory be a blessing.
Love from Lynne, Steve, Rachel and Jake
I am frustrated by the loss of Rabbi Wisnia. He was at Ann’s Choice many times. Condolences to the Wisnia family. He will truly be missed. R.I.P. Shalom, Shalom.
.
Eric was a dear and lifelong friend and the news of his passing has shaken me. His father David was the cantor at my bar mitzvah in 1969. Over the last several years, Eric would come each month and teach a Jewish history class at my apartment complex and his refreshing view on Judaism and life in general has informed my days. I will think of him and miss him forever.
Rabbi Wisnia was a special person with the kindest heart. I’ve known him since I was a teen and was part of the second class to be confirmed. His father officiated my wedding and he did my daughters naming and my mother’s funeral to recently 3 years ago came all the way to my nephew’s wedding in Long Island to officiate. He would drop everything to be there for you and it’s something I will never forget. Will miss his bear hugs . My heart goes out to Judy and his children and they will be in our thoughts and prayers. Rab, you will be sorely missed.
Rabbi Wisnia was always considered as a vital and integral part of our family from the time he married
Adrienne and I and then for all the next 43 years of Bar Mitvahs, wedding, baby namings and,
sadly, funerals. Throughout the years, we aways appreciated his vast spiritual and secular knowledge,
his sage advice, and especially his humor and congeniality. I have no doubt that the significant growth
of Beth Chaim, from its earliest days until now, is primarily due to the sole efforts and exceptional
personality of Rabbi Wisnia. We will miss him so much.
I will remember his warm, authentic smile and his thoughtful and captivating sermons. He was a wonderful human being and an inspiration. He will be missed. Through us, his positive impact will continue.
I met Rabbi Eric and Judy many years ago when I met and became friends with Dov at a Brain Tumor Support Group meeting. Dov was an awesome kid and I immediately loved him like a son. It just breaks my heart that they are both now gone from this earth; but I have Faith that the two of them are together again on the other side. Rabbi Eric was a huge presence on Race Day and I will always treasure our time on stage, when he would grab my arm and help me thru the Moment of Silence. And altho he was missing his son Dov, he always asked about my status and would lay his hands on me and pray over me. We often joked about how a devout Catholic would seek his Jewish prayers every year; Rabbi Eric was a natural when it came to comforting others. Rest in Peace my dear friend and please watch over all of us. You will be greatly missed by me, my husband Tony and the entire Brain Tumor Community. May God Bless You Always. Our Love and sincerest condolences to Judy, Avi, Sarah and his entire family.
I once asked Rabbi Wisnia how one could read the Torah, as it contained no vowels. His response with his typical humor was “with great difficulty”. I imagine him now keeping God laughing with his jokes.
He was a one of a kind and I was blessed to have known him.
Phyllis Stoolmacher and family
I was one of his first Bat Mitzvah’s 4 months after he started at Beth Chaim, and learned more from Rabbi Wisnia as I and others readied for confirmation. I echo all the sentiments of Steve Ettman as well.
My heart goes out to his family and friends. May they find some comfort in all the kind words. His memory is a blessing to all who knew him.
I was indeed saddened upon hearing of the passing of Eric whom I’ve known since he was a child growing up in Levittown. As a member and a President of Temple Shalom where his father , David was Cantor for years, I watched his growth over the years to the beloved Rabbi he became and his esteemed role at Beth Chaim and in the wider community . Now old and a resident of Oxford Village in Langhorne, I was treated each Pesach to Rabbi Eric conducting our Seder with his usual humor mixed with explanations to the nonJews among us of Jewish text. Everyone here at Oxford sincerely loved him and will sorely miss his presence next Pesach. My condolences to Judith and the whole family. I won’t forget his smile , warmth and genuine friendliness to all he encountered.
Don and I came from families who observed traditional holidays and enjoyed the socialization with family members during these times. But both families did not affiliate with any Synagogue until my brother began studies for his Bar Mitzvah. Don had the same experience with his family. When we married and started a family, moved back to NJ and finally settled in Twin Rivers East Windsor, we wanted our family to become a part of Jewish congregation not just for our sons bar mitzvah, but to learn about Judaism, observe, practice and participate for our lifetime. We joined Beth Chaim a year after it was chartered, formed by a group of families wanted a reform congregation with the same ideology I previously stated. We had services at St. Paul’s church of East Windsor until we were able to build our first temple and that was the beginning of our Beth Chaim community. Many Rabbis led until Rabbi Eric Wisnia , a blessing that was to be, our leader for the next 42 years. It is difficult to put into words what is in our heart but well said in previous comments. He was there for our family’s joyous occasions and, more importantly, healed us through very
difficult times. His wisdom, compassion, humanity and lively sense of humor was the basis of Beth Chaim’s growth. Throughout his 42 year tenure his leadership earned the respect of everyone connected in all facets of religious, business, government affairs. Yes, it is a very sad personal loss to Judy, Sarah and Avi, his congregants of 42 years and other friends and colleagues but for everyone (and particularly my family), we will have these precious memories to keep Rabbi Wisnia in our thoughts, hearts and prayers forever.
Deepest Condolences to the family of the wonderful Rabbi Wisnia. Jeff and Harriet Hirschfeld
Eric was one of the finest human beings I have ever known. When he married Judy, my oldest and dearest friend, I had no idea that he would become so much a part of the life of my family. Eric performed the naming ceremonies of my children and my late brother Harry’s kids. He officiated at the funerals of my father and brother. Most importantly, he was a dear friend, Rabbi and confidant for more than 50 years. He will be terribly missed by all of us. I keep Eric and all the Wisnia/Glassburgs always in my mind and heart.
It was an honor and a privilege to know Rabbi Eric. He was always there for me, no matter what! I know that you are in peace with God, pain free. May your memory continue to be a blessing!
Deepest condolences from Maxine and Rabbi Dov Peretz Elkins. We were colleagues in the Princeton area for decades, and always enjoyed each other’s company, and worked together on many community projects. He will be sorely missed. May his memory be for a blessing.
He will be missed by all. It has been my pleasure knowing him. My condolences to his family
What a sad day. Through all of our family’s life cycle events, including bar/bat mitzvas, confirmations, marriages, baby naming and funerals we always depended on the “Rab”. He will be missed by one and all. He was everything that everyone before me has written. To us all he was truly a “mensch”! Rest in peace. Our deepest condolences to Judy and his family.
Eric has been a part of my entire life and my kids’ lives. We love him and will miss him so much. I’m thinking of Judy, Avi, and Sara and sending hugs and thoughts. We’re so sorry anyone has to go through this.
So many of our friends and neighbors have spoken so eloquently about Rabbi Eric, I’ll skip the superlatives, though there are many, and just say that he changed my life, more he changed everyone in our family’s lives. He was an integral part, a centerpiece (but never a distraction) of so many of our major life events.
His Wisnistillian principles still ring in my head and still frame much of my life:
“Prayers doesn’t change things, prayers change people, PEOPLE change things”
“If you are looking for G_d, add an “O” – You don’t have to believe in G_d , if you believe in the power of good”
I’m sure I’ve misquoted his pithier delivery of these ideas, but the ideas will stick with me.
I couldn’t close without talking about the inveterate punster, and incorrigible charmer he was. His gift for a turn of phrase, the broad smile and the ready hug. He could make serious topics easier to discuss and heavy loads lighter. We always looked forward to seeing him.
I suppose that’s his real immortality – not as much the impressive things he built and wrote, but that a piece of him remains in each of us.
His memory will always be a blessing…
How sad to get the news of Rabbi Wisnia’s passing! He was our wonderful rabbi from the time we moved into West Windsor in 1978 until his retirement. We were hoping to meet with him some time again, and are so sorry that we will not have that opportunity. My middle grandson was hoping to get “another one of his bear hugs”. We all enjoyed everything he had to say, even on such unpleasant topics as the Civil War, which he made interesting. He will be greatly missed.
A giant among men, he will be sorely missed by the entire Jewish community and others as well !
R.I.P. May his memory be a blessing!
Our condolences to the WISNIA, family .
Linda and Bill Feldstein
He will be missed. Rabbi Eric b’nai mitzvahed our two sons, carpooled with him to Sunday school, and he buried my father. He was an inspiration to all of us. His memory will be a blessing.
After moving to a West Windsor, in 1990,,to a new Neighborhood called Princeton Oaks, we became acquainted to many Jewish Couples in our Neighborhood, and together with several Italians couples, became family to each other. The Shedlers, were one of those families. Thru them, were invited to our first Bat Mitzva. Since my Childhood in Dunmore Pa, I became close to my Jewish Brethren, as a Shabbis Goy at an Orthodox Schuel , I became Interested in the Jewish Faith, as the forerunner to my own Christian Faith. My Jesuit College Education enhanced that interest and Rabbi was my go to person. May he rest in Peace
Above
So sorry to hear this news. He named my children over the years. Always with and smile and his sense of humor made for a very entertaining service. Our sincere condolences to his Family .
May he rest in eternal peace. Truly a mensch among men. 🙏🙏
So sorry to hear of Eric’s passing. He officiated at major events in my family–my son’s bar mitzvah and the funerals of my wife and mother. He counceled me after my wife’s passing. Eric was always so positive and upbeat. My condolences to the Wisnia family.
I am so saddened to hear of Rabbi Wisnia’s passing. I had the privilege of recently attending his meaningful, festive and joyous Passover seder at Moishes. Deepest condolences to the Wisnia Family. May your loving memories sustain at this difficult time. Rabbi Wisnia’s memory will be for a blessing.
Friend, “Family” Member, Mench, Humorous, all words that we can say. Many memories to keep us going on this difficult day. Judy, Avi, Sara and the Whole Family have our love and blessings. May Eric’s memory be a blessing for all. With love Paula and Charlie
Rabbi Eric will be deeply missed. He was so good to my family. When my son turned 5 we decided it was time for him to have some religious education. Because we are an interfaith couple, we did not know where to go because some synagogues would not except interfaith families. My cousin, Rabbi Joshua Goldstein recommended Rabbi Eric Wisnia.
My son was Bar Mitzvah by Eric and ND my daughter was Bat Mitzvah by Eric.
I will miss him greatly because he was a great friend and was always there if I needed some religious advice.
RIP Rabbi Eric, may your memory be a blessing.
Rabbi Wisnia
Married me and my late wife Patricia on April 29 ,2012
Patricia became ,I’ll and passed away on April 27,2014
2 days before our Second Anniversary.
Rabbi Wisnia presided over her funeral service.
Eric you are certainly going to be missed. By all that loved you.
Including myself..
I had a stroke in January this year, it’s rough but I sure am going to try and make your service.
Rest in Peace my Friend ,and Rabbi.
Reflecting on the passing of my dear friend, it occurred to me that today, and every day we have left in this life we must suffer the frozen silence of a world without Eric Wisnia. To say Eric was larger than life is a gross understatement. To know him was to experience the many facets of a man whose intelligence, oratory skills and bountiful heart were unmatched. And yet, he was always ready with the corniest joke, pithiest observation or his ever present favorite 1970’s hit Hotel California. He was the warmest and most gregarious of men, the one to whom bears would go to learn their hug, and who those bereft of spirit would seek out for a kind word or a meaningful parable. True, the list of great men, rich men, knowledgeable men who were revered in life, mourned in death and forgotten in time grows longer by the day. Their charitable deeds and countless accomplishments lost to the twisted corridors of history as their successors’ achievements erase the past. But however great his successors’ feats may be, they will never, ever erase the memory, the knowledge, the love or the pure joy of my dear friend Eric Wisnia. Godspeed Rabbi, we love you.
Rabbi Wisnia was the reason my father loved services and stayed committed to conversion to Judaism. My mother also adored your dad, always fondly called him Eric (when the rest of us didn’t dare). The Rab guided my sister and me through becoming bat mitzvah and confirmation. He was there for us in the many years after…for guidance, a hello, for support after the death of my parents, and probably best of all….for a bear hug like no other. I will miss his tremendous presence and unmatched warmth. May his memory always be for blessing and may all of you be held in love through this impossible time
One of the kindest human beings I have ever met and, as they say, the nut didn’t fall far from the tree. I first met “da Rab’s” dad at Har Sinai. Cantor Wisnia was a sweet man and always had something wonderful to say whenever we would see him. When we moved to Beth Chaim, we had already known Rabbi Wisnia from years before when my late wife had been diagnosed with breast cancer and she had a one on one visit with him. He could not have been more gracious and left us with a wonderful impression of him.
We got to know him better as congregants and he always had a big hug and hello no matter where we were or what we were doing. He was like that with everyone. Just a very special man from special parents and we will miss him.
Condolences to the entire family who have been through too much loss too early. May their memory be a blessing.
My Bar Mitzvah was in 1988. I still think of him often even 35 years later . Rabbi Wisnia was such a sweet and kind man. I’ll never forget him. I know I didn’t go very far with my studies and my faith after my BM but I couldn’t have a had a nicer man guide me though it.
Rest in peace my dear friend. All the accolades have been written by many before and they are so true. Rabbi Eric was there for us when my husband passed, when my son in law passed, when my mother passed. He was with us when he married each of our daughters. He will live in our hearts and on our videos of those weddings with his humor and smile. Sincere condolences to Judy and the children. Rabbi Eric was a unique person as well as our Rabbi for over 40 years. What a privilege!
My HUC classmate and friend “The Wiz” was incredible. I read the Facebook and the 66 previous posts here. Everyone has one, two, or three specific times when Rabbi Wisnia lifted us from loneliness or despair. Humor and wisdom – puns and wordplay were his tools. Our involvement with Poland through trips, his father’s music, his sense of justice, and his thorough understanding of history’s complexity played out before you as he spun his tales and weaved his words. I will miss Eric, my brother. Condolences to his family, who he loved so much and who I know grieve deeply.
Rabbi Eric was our rabbi and our friend. I had the pleasure of teaching all three of his children and co-taught with him. We learned so much from him. He brought joy to all who knew him and will be sorely missed.
Eric. My cousin, my friend. My Rabbi: you were our go to guy in a crisis. You comforted us, counseled us, and taught us. You made us laugh. We celebrated with you and we cried with you. We love you. We are not ready to lose you.
A great soul, larger than life, who always greeted us at services with a big hug. Presided over bar mitzvahs, funerals, namings and a grandson’s bris for our family so his memory will always remain with us.
Our condolences to his family and we know they will cherish his memory like us
The world has lost a special person. We will all miss his huge smile and wonderful laugh. He touched so many lives in so many ways. May his family find some comfort in knowing how much he was loved by so many. May his memory be a blessing.
I would not have joined Beth Chaim or any synagogue if it were not for Rabbi Wisnia . I moved onto his street in East Windsor and we became fast friends and good neighbors. He Judy my husband who had also been a clergyman and I would socialize and our children played together. I will always remember Rabbi Eric’s warmth and quick wit and deep humanity. A great loss and my condolences to Judy and Avi
Rabbi Wisnia handled the baby naming for our son, Miles Kenneth Steinberg, in 2017. We will always be thankful for his warmth, humor and kindness.
I moved to Plainsboro New Jersey in 1978. Within the first 6 months Rabbi Wisnia came to our community to recruit Jewish families to become part of our synagogue. He was a wonderful man. I always had fun talking to him. He conducted the Bar Mitzvah’s for both my beautiful sons Mark Bradley and Scott Daniel. I thought of him very often. He was tremendously inspirational and a friend to all. May you rest in peace Rabbi Wisnia and may your memory be a blessing. Thank you for all you did for all of us.
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Rabbi Wisnia. I grew up in Hickory Acres/East Windsor, NJ and was a babysitter for the Wisnia family. It was such a joy taking care of their three children. Rabbi Wisnia was always so kind and has such a contagious laugh. I will keep his family in my thoughts and prayers, and may he rest in peace.
So very sad to hear about Rabbi Wisnia’s passing. I was not a congregant but he made me feel like one—always with a warm greeting. My sincere condolences to Judy and family. We first met during the first year of the nursery school at Beth Chaim., and our paths continued to cross. Norma Susswein Saks
For my entire life, Rabbi Wisnia was a source of joy, warmth, generosity, curiosity, and philosophy. A truly good man and kind soul.
Rabbi Wisnia liked to say that “prayers don’t change things, prayers change people.” He indeed changed the lives of many, including mine, with his compassion, humor, and wisdom.
I will alway have found memories of Rabbi Wisnia. He was my mothers mentor, my teacher, my Rabbi. He was on the Bima with me for my Bat Mitzvah, my confirmation, my mom’s funeral and many services in between. He was always available for his congregants ! He will truly be missed! Hugs to his family! He will be missed!
so sorry to hear the news..rabbi eric was beth chaim..thru bar mitzvahs,weddings and baby namings..we did have some disagreements of various topics, but never doubted his dedication to the temple and we always respected his opinions…this is a great loss to the community he served all these years, and the congregation will miss him greatly…those who joined recently do not know what he meant to us as fledgling members of beth chaim…our condolences to judy and the family..he will be missed
I was deeply saddened and shocked to hear of Rabbi Wisnia’s death.
Eric was a faithful colleague, a good friend and a Lover of Zion. He brought groups from Congregation Beth Chaim to visit our congregation, Kehilat Yonatan, in Hod Hasharon, Israel, and invited me more than once to address his community.
I shall never forget his warmth, humour and caring nature. He will be greatly missed. My sincerest condolences to all of the family.
המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים
As many young people have been turning away from traditional religion over the past several decades, The “Rab” was one of the rare few who drew us back into the fold through his warmth, wit, understanding and of course sense of humor. He was known and respected far and wide, as evidenced by the glowing response from my new Rabbi in Richmond, VA when I mentioned Eric’s name. Much love from the Savedoff family to the Wisnias in this time of mourning.
Eric was always one who had big smiles & hugs for friends. I will miss his warmth & humor. May his memory be a blessing
Eric, what a loss. Judy, Sarah and Avi, our hearts go out to all of you. I used to love my Tamudic sparring with Eric. He has always been one of my absolute favorite Reform Rabbis. So many memories with this family, with David z’l, remembering the kids, Avi’s decades long friendship with Yoella, Dov z’l and Avi as students, and just so many moments planning together for meaningful Jewish experiences for the community as well as so appreciative of Eric’s ability to move in ANY lane of our wide Jewish community. Loved the programming we were able to do to have all of our Jewish community members share what we have in common and respect and have regard for our differences. I have often referred to Eric with my colleagues through the years including my very specific work in the Orthodox world working for the inclusion of LGBTQ+ Jews, women’s participation and so much else. Eric, you will always have a place in my heart and may the legacy you have left be of comfort to all, especially your loving family. Now you can conduct your Talmudic sparring acitivities in Yeshivah Le’Ma’aleh.
With love, admiration and gratitude for having you in all of our lives,
Sunnie Epstein and family
When I had to call the rabbi and ask him to preside over Zoe’s funeral, he was two weeks past his stenting procedure. “If I can get permission to travel, I will be there,” he answered. “You are family.”
When he couldn’t manage getting to the house that evening to conduct the minyan and reading of the Kaddish, he apologized for that lack. “It’s alright, rabbi, I did it. You taught me well.”
Through my travails and triumphs of the past two decades, he was my rock. I am bereft.
Here is a story that I hope illustrates his great wisdom at understanding ethics, people, and the moral universe. Rabbi Wisnia was well known for his love of history and the way it shaped our world, including loudly taking the side of the American South over the Civil War.
For an otherwise classic Northern liberal, I was flummoxed.
“It was a question of states’ rights,” he would say.
I let this simmer for a few weeks, and did some reading. After a time, I challenged him again.
“But rabbi, the only states’ right they were fighting for was the right to violate the rights of other humans”
His mouth did that funky Eric smile, where the corners turned up, and middle went down, his cheeks went round, and his eyes sparkled with joy at the idea that he had helped another person stumble on a bit of enlightenment.
“Exactly,” he said with a chuckle.
Avi,
My deepest condolences to you and your family. Although I never met your dad, you are a terrific representation of his legacy. My thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Mike Grothman
I am deeply saddened by this news. I last saw Rabbi Wisnia at the Weitzman Jewish Museum in Philadelphia when the documentary about his father was screened. Rabbi Wisnia manned a table in the lobby and greeted everyone walking in, including my 24 year old daughter whose hand he took with a charming “enchante”. He asked her first if that was ok. He was a remarkably warm, loving, and FUNNY man. He touched so many lives and exuded a remarkable zest for life. May his memory be an eternal blessing.
Debbie Wachspress
Eric was a RABBI for all and all time. He ministered to every life event for my family. The most memorable were the timer he forgot to name my six week old daughter, she got named the next week, and when he and Judy flew to Paris to officiate at my sons wedding. My parents were members of Beth Chaim and under the Wisnia spell as well. His memory is a blessing.
Dear Avi,
Only met your dad once at one of your performances on the west side in Manhattan–but he was so happy for you and quietly proud of you–So sorry for your loss!
Liz Gross
Rabbi Eric officiated at my home for my daughter, Carly’s baby naming in 1994 before we were even congregants at Beth Chaim. Within two years, we joined the temple. Flash forward some thirteen years later, and Rabbi was at the bima when my son and daughter became bar and bat mitzvah. Rabbi Eric was also at the Bima when I read from the Torah at my adult confirmation. And while no bima was involved, ‘The Rabs’ called us for a quick prayer and a longer lunch when our family traveled to Israel and Cuba with him. I just now called Carly (now 28) to share that Rabbi Eric died. She was shocked and sad, but asked me to hold on. Apparently she had a voicemail from Rabbi Eric on her phone from 2008 where he rapped. Something to the effect of “Hi. I am the Rabbi, I am this cool guy…”. The voicemail was gone as she had just traded in her IPhone 6 for a new IPhone. Just knowing that she thought to keep it for so many years tells me everything.
I’ve known Eric and his family since 1956. My family were part of the Temple Shalom synagogue where his dad, David was cantor and his mother, Hope was very involved. The entire Wisnia family were kind and welcoming to everyone. Eric was an inspiration to me. His good cheer and bright smile seemed to have a knowing look that his mind had a thought that was wise and possibly irreverent at the same time. He and his Dad married Holly and I and I believe it was the last they did together. His presence made a perfect day even more special. He will be forever missed by all who knew him.
Dear Judy and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. I have very fond memories of both you and Eric from when you were in Toledo and Eric served as Rabbi at Shomer Emunim. As a young teenager at the time, I was grateful for (Rabbi) Eric’s approachability, wise counsel and deep caring. May his memory be a blessing. Take care.
I did not know Rabbi Wisnia, I’m just a friend and big fan of Avi.
My heart goes out to him and to his whole family!