Unexpected Traces in Jewish Places: Cuban-American Rabbi Leads Young Congregant in Adon Olam

El Centro de Estudios Judíos  “Torat Emet” is a Spanish-language Jewish education and spirituality center for Jews from all over Latin America who live in the New York area of the United States. 

The weekly classes and events are held at its synagogue at the Lincoln Park Jewish Center in Yonkers, New York, an inclusive Modern Orthodox Jewish congregation that seeks to foster spiritual growth through prayer, acceptance, community, and fellowship.

The congregation is led by Rabbi Rigoberto Emmanuel (“Manny”) Viñas who grew up in the traditional Sephardic home of Cuban Jewish parents who came to America after the Cuban Revolution in 1960.

Born and raised in Miami, Florida, he prepared for a rabbinic career at local Yeshivot and attended local Sephardic synagogues that were predominantly Spanish-speaking and of Cuban origin. 

In 1989, Rabbi Viñas moved to New York to continue his studies at Touro College. He completed his training as a scribe with ordination (kabala in sofrut) at Yeshiva University under the tutelage of Rabbi Shmuel Schneid, a master scribe from Monsey, New York. He also has “Yoreh Yoreh” ordination from Kollel Agudath Achim under the leadership of Rabbi Aharon Zeigler of Boro Park, Brooklyn, New York and a second “Yoreh Yoreh” ordination from Yeshivah VeKollel Zichron Hizkiahu Yoel, also of Boro Park. 

At present he is continuing his studies at Kollel Agudath Achim for semicha as a dayan (judge) “Yadin Yadin” from his Rebbe, Rabbi Aharon Ziegler. Rabbi Viñas has dedicated his career to serving diverse Jewish communities by bringing Klal Yisrael (all Jews) together regardless of denomination, form of practice, race, ethnicity, or any other differences. He is also the Chaplain for the Yonkers Police Department.

As we welcome another Shabbat, let's enjoy a traditional rendition of Adon Olam by a young student of Rabbi Viñas.

Enjoy and Shabbat shalom.

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