Recognition Reception Honoree
Rabbi Harold B. Waintrup

Rabbi Howard B. Waintrup, Rabbi Emeritus of Old York Road, Temple - Beth Am, is a longstanding member of our community who had devoted himself to the betterment of human relations. His goal, even in retirement, is to actively involve adults and young people in public service in the Abington Community. Awarding of scholarships to youth for outstanding service and achievement is a dream of his which is coming to fruition through many organizations that belong to the Abington Community Taskforce.

As early as the age of ten, Rabbi Waintrup was interested in becoming a rabbi. Rabbi Silver in Cleveland was a significant influence in this vocational decision, impacting Rabbi Waintrup to overcome his earlier thoughts of going into baseball or acting as careers. These interests were reserved for future avocational pursuits.

As the rabbi at Old York Road Temple Beth - Am, he led the congregation forward in an amazing growth period. It was no coincidence that this was paralleled by his participation in the community-at-large. He was the organizer and first president of the Suburban Council of Human Relations. He also served as past president of the Advisory Council of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.

These positions served as the background for Rabbi Waintrup's important work in easing community tensions that eventually led to the Abington School District Human Relations Committee. This committee remains an important and viable force in the School District.

For his work, Rabbi Waintrup has been recognized by the Abington YMCA and has received the Human Relations Award and the Jewish Community Relations Council Service Award. He has served as president of the Jenkintown Rotary which spawned the "We Can Say No" program. He remains an active contributing member of the Abington Educational Foundation.

Rabbi Waintrup's vision for Abington, in his own words, is to have "a community of social service imparting a fulfilling life, culturally, socially, and human relations-wise for children and adults; a drug-free community; and a community second to none in its service on behalf of our schools and youth." Who could say it better?

Rabbi Waintrup lives on the Fairway in Jenkintown with his wife Elise. His children Debra, Miriam, and Daniel are grown and "have left the nest." His current activities include reading, travel, baseball (He attended the Phillies "Dream Week"), and last but not least, serving as Chaplain at Abington Memorial Hospital.

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Rabbi Harold B. Waintrup