Sept. 2026
Wendy Schneider

Temple Anshe Sholom’s new rabbi was, in many ways, born into the role.

Rabbi Michael Weiss, who began his position on July 1, is the son of Rabbi Cory Weiss, spiritual leader of Temple Har Zion in Thornhill. The 35-year-old said he knew by age 16 that he wanted to follow in the family business.

Born in Connecticut and raised in part in Toronto, Weiss is a graduate of McGill University and was ordained at Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati. For the past six years, he served as associate rabbi at Congregation Schaarai Zedek in Tampa, Florida.

For Weiss, the move to Hamilton represents both a return to Canada and an opportunity to lead a congregation of his own. He said he was drawn to Canadian Reform Judaism, which he describes as somewhat more traditional than its American counterpart, with a stronger emphasis on Hebrew, customs and communal values. But it was the people of Temple Anshe Sholom who ultimately convinced him. Visiting Hamilton for an interview during a frigid January cold snap, he said he was struck by the warmth of the congregation and felt it was a community he wanted to help build.

Like many Jewish leaders, Weiss sees engagement as one of the central challenges facing Reform Judaism today. With people's time and attention pulled in countless directions, synagogues must demonstrate the value of community and offer experiences that are meaningful, joyful and worth prioritizing.

“Jewish joy is sort of an act of resistance,” he said.

Weiss believes Temple Anshe Sholom already has important strengths to build upon, particularly its vibrant religious school and active multigenerational membership. Rather than arriving with a fixed agenda, he plans to spend considerable time listening to congregants and learning what they want from synagogue life and where they feel needs are not being met.

That emphasis on listening is something Weiss identifies as one of his greatest strengths. While rabbis are often associated with public speaking, he said much of his work involves hearing people's stories, learning from them and helping them navigate life's challenges.

Congregants attending services under Weiss’s leadership can also expect a strong musical component. An enthusiastic singer who enjoys harmonizing, he looks forward to collaborating with Cantor Paula Baruch to create worship experiences marked by spirited music, communal participation, quiet reflection and a sense of togetherness.

His goal, he said, is to help foster a synagogue community where people feel connected—to Judaism, to one another and to something larger than themselves.