I was privileged to bask in the presence of Rabbi Eytan Feiner during my time in Eretz Yisrael at Midrash Shmuel. I had the unique opportunity to share meals with the rav and rebbetzin and listen to his wisdom, which has stayed with me to this day. His words resonate deeply, and I am honored to share the master maggid shiur’s message with others, especially as it relates to the timeless essence of Purim.
Rabbi Feiner, the esteemed rabbi of Congregation Kneseth Israel, affectionately known as “The White Shul” in Far Rockaway, delivered a profound message at a recent Bonei Olam event that strikes at the heart of Purim’s underlying themes of unity, resilience, and kindness. The rav’s words resonate deeply, particularly in light of the personal challenges he has faced, and his journey of faith and leadership serves as a beacon for us all.
The life of Rabbi Feiner is one marked by tremendous perseverance and unshakable emunah. Together with his wife, Aviva, he endured a grueling twelve-and-a-half years of unexplained infertility before finally being blessed with his only child, Avraham Yeshaya, named after the Chazon Ish. Their son, now 17, faces significant physical and cognitive challenges, including the need for a tracheostomy and G-tube, rendering him unable to speak or walk. Yet, through it all, Rabbi Feiner’s unwavering faith and compassion have deepened, propelling him to dedicate his life to guiding others who face similar struggles, and to provide support for those in need.
Rabbi Feiner’s personal trials have not only shaped him as a father and a leader but have also fostered a deep empathy for others. His compassion is the very foundation of his leadership, whether through his involvement with organizations like Bonei Olam, which supports couples struggling with infertility, or through his warm guidance of his community.
Before assuming his rabbinic position at The White Shul, Rabbi Feiner spent significant years in Eretz Yisrael, where he served as a maggid shiur and senior lecturer at Aish HaTorah. There, he imparted Torah to a broad and diverse audience. He also taught at institutions such as Yeshivat HaKotel and Michlala and gave regular shiurim at the Gra Shul in Sha›arei Chesed. It was during these years Rabbi Feiner honed his skills as a teacher, mentor, and leader, enriching the spiritual lives of many students. His limud was always rooted in the values of compassion, faith, and the importance of community, which later became the hallmark of his rabbinic leadership.
Upon his return to America, Rabbi Feiner assumed the mantle of leadership at The White Shul, where he has fostered a vibrant and inclusive community. His approach to leadership transcends mere halachic guidance; it is a living testament to his belief that the true heart of Torah is revealed through acts of kindness and the nurturing of those around us. Rabbi Feiner’s leadership is evident in his work with families struggling with infertility, guiding them through the darkness and offering them light, hope, and support. Whether during times of simchah or tsar, the Feiners remain a steadfast presence, reminding the Queens Jewish community that true leadership is grounded in empathy, understanding, and action.
In addition to his work at The White Shul, Rabbi Feiner serves as the rabbi for Chai Lifeline’s Camp Simcha, a camp for children battling serious illnesses. It is here, in the midst of such hardship, that Rabbi Feiner’s leadership truly shines. He provides not only spiritual guidance but also a sense of belonging and hope for the children and their families, ensuring that each one of them is uplifted during their most difficult times. This role reinforces his lifelong mission to bring comfort to those in need and to make a tangible difference in their lives.
This Purim, Rabbi Feiner’s words carry a special weight. Purim, the time when we celebrate our survival in the face of overwhelming odds, is a chag that reminds us of the power of unity, hidden miracles, and the importance of collective action. Rabbi Feiner underscores those same qualities that saved klal Yisrael from Haman’s decree and are the qualities we must embody in our own lives today. In his Purim lectures, the rav challenges us to look beyond the outward festivities and recognize that our acts of chesed, our generosity, and our care for one another are modern-day miracles that continue the legacy of Purim.
This year, the significance of Purim is heightened by the fact that it falls on erev Shabbos—a day of preparation not only for Shabbos, but for the spiritual opportunities Purim provides. As we prepare our homes for Shabbos, we must also prepare our hearts to celebrate Purim in the fullest sense of the word. The timing of Purim on erev Shabbos offers us the opportunity to elevate both our physical and spiritual preparations. The joy of Purim, which begins with the reading of the Megillah, must seamlessly flow into the holiness of Shabbos, reminding us that the true power of Purim lies in how we elevate our actions and our community. The Shabbos that follows Purim provides a powerful reminder that our acts of kindness and generosity can shape the entire week ahead, and beyond.
Rabbi Feiner’s life and teachings remind us that each act of chesed, each shared smile, and each gesture of support can transform lives and strengthen our community. His personal journey—from the challenges of infertility to the joys of guiding a community bound by Torah and love—mirrors the timeless Purim story of hidden miracles and unexpected salvation. This Purim, let us embrace his message by dedicating ourselves to acts of kindness and generosity. As Rabbi Feiner often says, “Double your pledges. Triple your pledges.” Let us heed this call, ensuring that our action for t’zdakah reflect the spirit of Purim, and may we create a future where empathy, unity, and support are the cornerstones of our community.
By Shabsie Saphirstein
