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Joseph Dweck
Joseph Dweck
Joseph Dweck
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Key Information

Joseph Dweck (born 1975) is an American rabbi and hazzan, who served as Senior Rabbi of the Spanish and Portuguese Jewish community of the United Kingdom.

Biography

[edit]

Joseph Dweck was born in 1975 in Los Angeles, into a family of Syrian Jewish descent.[1]

After finishing high school, he studied in Jerusalem at Hazon Ovadia Yeshiva under the tutelage of Sephardi Chief Rabbis of Israel Ovadia Yosef and Yitzhak Yosef. He studied psychology and philosophy at Santa Monica College in Los Angeles and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Liberal Arts from Excelsior University in Albany, New York.

In 1995 he married Margalit, daughter of Adina Bar-Shalom[citation needed] and granddaughter of Rav Ovadia Yosef.[1] Rav Ovadia Yosef referred to Rabbi Dweck as his "heart's desire" and "the esteemed Rabbi who brings merit to the community"[1] in an approbation written for Dweck's book on Jewish blessings, Birkhot Shamayim.

Rabbi Dweck received his semikha (rabbinic ordination) from Rav Ovadia Yosef under the auspices of the Sephardic Rabbinical College of Brooklyn, New York.

From 1996 to 1999, Dweck studied at the YULA Kollel in Los Angeles under Rabbi Nachum Sauer. In 1999 he moved to Brooklyn, New York to become a fellow of the newly established Sephardic Rabbinical College under the direction of Rabbi Shimon Alouf, where he studied for the next seven years and received semikha.[2]

From 1999 to 2014, he served as rabbi of Sha'are Shalom, a Syrian synagogue in Brooklyn.[3] From 2005 to 2008, Dweck also taught Mishna at Barkai Yeshiva in Brooklyn. He assumed the role of Hebrew Principal in 2009, and became Rosh Yeshiva in 2010, a position he held for four years.[citation needed]

In 2013, Rabbi Dweck was appointed Senior Rabbi of the Spanish and Portuguese Jews' Congregation of the United Kingdom,[4] later rebranded The S&P Sephardi Community.[5] Rabbi Dweck was elected with a 270–4 vote.[6] On Sunday, 24 September 2014, Rabbi Dweck was officially installed as Senior Rabbi at Bevis Marks Synagogue.[7] In his capacity as Senior Rabbi, Rabbi Dweck serves as the Deputy President of the London School of Jewish Studies; a President of The Council of Christians and Jews alongside Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, The Archbishop of Canterbury and other religious heads; and Ecclesiastical Authority of The Board of Deputies of British Jews. Rabbi Dweck also serves as a member of the Standing Committee of the Conference of European Rabbis. In 2015, he was selected by the Jewish News in conjunction with the Jewish Leadership Council as one of the top ten "young rolemodels at the forefront of British-Jewish life."[8]

Dweck holds a Master of Arts degree in Jewish Education from Middlesex University in collaboration with the London School of Jewish Studies.[3]

Career

[edit]

Hazan (Cantor)

In his earlier years, Rabbi Dweck trained as a Hazan (cantor) in Israel under famed Hazan Moshe Habusha and later in Brooklyn, NY, under Rabbi Refael Elnadav. In 1999, he joined Sha’are Shalom, a Syrian synagogue in Brooklyn, NY as their hazzan.

Community Rabbi

Shortly thereafter, he was asked to assume the position as rabbi of the congregation, a position he held for 15 years. Under his guidance, the synagogue flourished, as the original 50 members grew into over 350 families, with Rabbi Dweck deeply involved in all aspects of daily community life.

Teacher

Rabbi Dweck began his formal teaching career as a high school teacher of Jewish Law and Philosophy at Magen David Yeshiva in Brooklyn, New York where he taught for two years.

From 2005 to 2008, Rabbi Dweck taught Mishna at Barkai Yeshiva in Brooklyn, New York City. He assumed the role of Hebrew Principal in 2009, and later became Rosh Yeshiva/Head of School in 2010, a position he served for four years.

Head of School

Rabbi Dweck centred Barkai's core vision on the concept that "the Author of the Torah is the Author of the world". As such, all students were taught the five books of the Torah, establishing a comprehensive framework of thought, with secular studies taught uncompromisingly through the lens of Torah. This encompassed all aspects throughout the curriculum, including art and physical education.

Head of S&P Sephardi Community

In 2013, Rabbi Dweck was appointed Senior Rabbi of the Spanish and Portuguese Jews’ Congregation of the UK, later rebranded The S&P Sephardi Community. Rabbi Dweck was elected with a 270–4 vote, a margin believed to be the largest in UK synagogue history. On Sunday, 24 September 2014, Rabbi Dweck was officially installed as Senior Rabbi at the community's cathedral synagogue, Bevis Marks. The Jewish Chronicle reported that:

"Religious leaders from across the Anglo-Jewish spectrum, from Liberals to Lubavitch, came to celebrate the arrival of the fresh-faced new leader, aged just 39, at the community's oldest congregation. Dayanim from the Federation and United Synagogue and a large contingent from independent Sephardi communities attended, as well as Emeritus Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, who took part in the ceremony."

In his inaugural address Rabbi Dweck said:

"The most precious element of [The S&P's] history are the ideas and the thinking that came from my predecessors because of their commitments not only to Jewish life, observance and continuity but also because they taught our Torah within a relevant and rational framework. This trend of traditional observance, coupled with immersion in the world and society, is the crowning glory of our Sephardi tradition."

He went on to say that Judaism should be available to the community in 'High Definition’.

As Head of S&P, Rabbi Dweck's responsibilities include:

  • Oversight of the religious functions of the various member synagogues
  • Setting the strategic and spiritual vision for the community
  • Overseeing the Sephardi Bet Din
  • Spiritual Head of The Sephardi Kashrut Authority (SKA)
  • Ambassador and Spokesperson for the community at various national and international forums
  • Interacting with Jewish students on university campuses across the UK

Annual Scholar-In-Residence with the Sephardic Community Alliance

Despite no longer living in the United States, Rabbi Dweck has maintained a relationship with the Sephardic Community Alliance. He participates in many of their programs and is said to be an especially popular Scholar-in-Residence during their annual summer programming for the Syrian community in Deal, New Jersey.

Honorary roles

In his capacity as Senior Rabbi, Rabbi Dweck has the honor of serving as the Deputy President of the London School of Jewish Studies; a President of The Council of Christians and Jews along with the Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, The Archbishop of Canterbury and other religious heads; and Ecclesiastical Authority of The Board of Deputies of British Jews. Rabbi Dweck also serves as a member of the Standing Committee of the Conference of European Rabbis.

In 2015, the Jewish News in conjunction with the Jewish Leadership Council published '40 Under 40', listing young members of the British Jewish Community at the forefront of Jewish life, with Rabbi Dweck listed 4th among the top 10.

Comments on homosexuality

[edit]

In May 2017, Rabbi Dweck delivered a lecture in which he presented his approach regarding the Torah view on homosexuality, declaring that Jewish law does not legislate against the feelings involved (sexual relations, he stated, are prohibited by the Torah). He suggested that contemporary developments on this issue, while problematic, are also "a fantastic development to humanity" as they force humanity to rethink the question of love, and potentially remove the stigma associated with platonic love and affection between men.[9] He preceded his words with caveats and stated his awareness of the controversial nature of the topic, explaining that he had been thinking about it for years and felt the need to discuss it because "no one was talking about it openly in Orthodox Judaism."[9] This lecture proved highly controversial and while some welcomed and supported it,[10][11] others strongly rejected it,[12] including Rabbi Aharon Bassous and the Beth Din of the prominent Haredi rabbi Nissim Karelitz. Rabbi Dweck issued a clarification letter explaining his Halakhic stance and intentions.[13]

In the wake of the controversy, a rabbinic panel to question Dweck on his statements and teaching was convened, consisting of Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, Dayan Chanoch Ehrentreu (Av Beth Din of Europe), Dayan Menachem Gelly (Rosh Beth Din of the London Beth Din), and Dayan Avraham David (Rosh Beth Din of the Sephardi Beth Din). The panel concluded that Dweck could continue his role as the Senior Rabbi of the Sephardi community.[14] The decision was supported by former Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks.[15]

In January 2018, Rabbi Dweck resumed his lectures with a new series at the London Jewish School of Studies, at a sold-out return to Hendon.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Joseph Dweck

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Joseph Dweck is an American-born Orthodox serving as Senior of the Spanish and (S&P) Sephardi Community of the , the country's oldest Jewish congregation established in 1656. Elected to the position in 2013 by an overwhelming majority of 270–4, he oversees the community's religious affairs, including its and Authority, while also holding roles such as Deputy President of the , President of the Council of Christians and Jews, and Ecclesiastical Authority for the Board of Deputies of British Jews. Born around 1975 and raised in and , Dweck received rabbinic from the Sephardic Rabbinical in after studying at Yeshiva Hazon Ovadia in under the guidance of Rabbi ; he holds a in Jewish Education and is pursuing one in . Prior to his appointment, he served as of Congregation Shaare in from 1999 to 2014 and as headmaster of Barkai Yeshivah. A trained in the Oriental Sephardi tradition, Dweck is noted for his public speaking, digital teaching initiatives, and efforts to engage modern audiences with traditional Jewish thought. Dweck gained prominence in 2017 following a lecture on male homosexuality in the , in which he affirmed the halachic on such acts while describing broader societal openness to expressions of as "fantastic" in certain respects, prompting sharp criticism from Orthodox authorities including accusations of and a rabbinical investigation. He issued a detailed clarification upholding traditional prohibitions, distinguishing between acts and emotions, and regretting any misrepresentations, ultimately retaining his position amid the debate. In December 2024, Dweck announced plans to make to in 2026.

Early Life and Education

Childhood and Family Background

Joseph Dweck was born in 1975 in , , to parents of Syrian Jewish origin. Both his maternal and paternal families trace their roots to , , part of a broader Sephardic heritage stemming from Jewish communities displaced by historical persecutions, including those following the Spanish expulsion in 1492. Dweck grew up immersed in the Syrian Jewish community of , a tight-knit enclave known for its adherence to traditional halachic practices and cultural preservation amid American life. This environment emphasized religious observance, family-centric values, and communal solidarity, shaping his early exposure to Sephardic customs and rabbinic scholarship. The Syrian in the United States, particularly from , maintained strict social and religious norms, including bans on intermarriage and a focus on , which influenced Dweck's formative years.

Formal Religious Studies

Dweck undertook formal religious studies at Hazon Ovadia in , an institution established by Ovadia Yosef emphasizing Sephardi halakhic traditions and Talmudic scholarship. There, he received direct instruction from Rabbi Yosef, who served as Sephardi Chief Rabbi of from 1973 to 1983 and exerted significant influence on contemporary Sephardi rabbinic thought through rigorous textual analysis of Jewish law. This period of study focused on advanced Talmudic and halakhic training, aligning with traditional yeshiva methodologies that prioritize mastery of primary sources such as the Babylonian and codes like the . He obtained rabbinic ordination, or semikha, from Rabbi under the auspices of the Sephardic Rabbinical College in , New York, an institution dedicated to Sephardi Orthodox training and certification. This ordination, conferred through examination of halakhic proficiency, qualified him to issue religious rulings and lead communities within Sephardi Orthodoxy. Complementing his yeshiva training, Dweck earned a degree in from , in partnership with the London School of Jewish Studies, which provided pedagogical frameworks for transmitting religious knowledge. While not strictly Talmudic, this academic credential supported his later roles in religious instruction, bridging traditional scholarship with modern educational practices.

Rabbinic Career

Early Positions

Dweck began his rabbinic career as of Congregation Sha'are , a Syrian Sephardi in , New York, serving from 1999 to 2014. The congregation, comprising over 700 members primarily of Syrian origin, operated within the strict communal norms of Syrian Jewish tradition, which emphasize separation from non-Jewish influences and internal rabbinic authority. During this period, Dweck led services, delivered sermons, and provided pastoral guidance, including as a trained in Sephardi liturgical cantillation. Concurrently, Dweck engaged in educational roles within Brooklyn's Sephardi Jewish institutions. He joined the staff of Barkai Yeshivah, a prominent , in 2003, initially focusing on teaching Judaic studies. By 2008, he had advanced to principal of Judaic Studies, overseeing curriculum in Jewish law, , and texts for high school students. From 2010 to 2014, Dweck served as headmaster of Barkai Yeshivah, managing overall operations for a large enrollment and integrating Sephardi perspectives into the educational framework. These positions allowed him to influence younger generations through rigorous halachic instruction while navigating the insular dynamics of Syrian Jewish communities in New York. Dweck's early U.S. roles emphasized traditional Sephardi scholarship, drawing from his training under figures like , though he began exploring broader philosophical applications of halacha that later defined his tenure abroad. His departure from these positions in 2014 coincided with his election as senior of the S&P Sephardi Community in the .

Leadership of the S&P Sephardi Community

In 2014, Joseph Dweck was appointed Senior of the Spanish and (S&P) Sephardi Community of the , succeeding Rabbi Saadia Derriche. He assumed the position on July 4, 2014, following his tenure as rabbi of Congregation Shaare Shalom, a Syrian Sephardi in , New York, from 1999 to 2014. His installation ceremony occurred later that year, marking the formal commencement of his over the community, which traces its origins to 1656 as Britain's oldest Jewish congregation. As Senior Rabbi, Dweck serves as the spiritual and administrative head, overseeing key institutions including , the community's historic central house of worship established in 1701. His responsibilities encompass rabbinic guidance, communal , and strategic direction for a membership spanning multiple synagogues and affiliated organizations in and beyond. Under his tenure, the community underwent a strategic review that identified Dweck as a core strength, prompting initiatives such as the establishment of a dedicated Office of the Senior Rabbi with an annual budget of £100,000 to support expanded leadership functions. Dweck's leadership has emphasized preservation of Sephardi traditions alongside adaptation to contemporary challenges, including youth engagement and interfaith relations, though specific metrics on membership growth or program outcomes remain limited in public records. In December 2024, he announced his intention to step down in January 2026 to make to , citing a desire to relocate closer to family after over a decade in the role.

Teachings and Intellectual Contributions

Approach to Halacha and Philosophy

Rabbi Joseph Dweck's approach to halacha emphasizes the classical Sephardi tradition, which integrates rational inquiry, tolerance, and innovation while maintaining strict adherence to Jewish law as a binding framework. Drawing from authorities like , Dweck highlights leniencies permissible within halachic parameters, as explored in his lectures on topics such as Rambam's rulings, arguing that such flexibility aligns with historical Sephardi practice rather than rigid literalism. This method contrasts with more stringent Ashkenazi or contemporary Haredi interpretations, prioritizing accessibility and livability for adherents, akin to Rabbi Ovadia Yosef's efforts to empower laypeople in observing halacha amid modern challenges. Philosophically, Dweck advocates for reclaiming rationalist elements in Jewish thought, critiquing the erosion of core ideas in mainstream , such as intellectual engagement with and , which he traces back to Maimonidean rationalism. Through initiatives like The Ḥabura , he develops novel halachic and philosophical responses to crises of , fostering that bridges traditional sources with contemporary realities without compromising . His teachings, including series on misconceptions in and joint discussions on philosophy versus , underscore a commitment to intellectual rigor over superstition or dogmatism, viewing halacha as dynamically applicable rather than static.

Publications, Lectures, and Media Engagement

Dweck has produced scholarly and popular writings on Jewish theology, halacha, and , often emphasizing Sephardi perspectives and responses to modern challenges. His master's dissertation, "How Best to Respond to Theological and Philosophical Misconceptions About in the Based on Three Principle Historical Examples," examines historical precedents for addressing contemporary critiques of . He maintains an active publication, "This is ," featuring essays that analyze current events and life through traditional Jewish lenses, with hundreds of subscribers as of recent updates. Additional contributions include articles for outlets like , where he addresses communal and halachic topics as senior of the S&P Sephardi Community, and pieces on Aish.com, such as explorations of divine attributes in "How Defines ." On , Dweck shares public source sheets, annotations, and translations of rabbinic texts, facilitating study of halachic and philosophical sources. His writings prioritize accessibility, drawing from Sephardi authorities like and to bridge traditional observance with philosophical inquiry, as seen in interviews where he praises Yosef's approach to making halacha "genuinely accessible and livable." Dweck frequently delivers lectures and shiurim on Sephardi heritage, halachic leniency, and spiritual themes. In a 2020 three-part series, "Sephardic Judaism in the Modern Era," hosted by the Sephardic Jewish Brotherhood of America and S&P Sephardi Community, he discussed adaptations of tradition in contemporary contexts. At the London School of Jewish Studies (LSJS), he presented sessions like "Making Shabbat Meaningful" in February 2016 and the pre-Pesach keynote "The Timing of Freedom" in 2017, reframing biblical narratives on time and liberation. Other talks include analyses of Maimonidean rationality's spiritual dimensions and halachic flexibility under Rambam, available via platforms like The Habura. In "The Edge of Reason" series (2024), he profiled overlooked Sephardic rabbinic figures who influenced American Judaism. His YouTube channel hosts short-form content, including the "Perspectives" series (Season 2, launched around 2016), with episodes on mitzvot and core Jewish concepts, each 1-3 minutes long. In media, Dweck engages through podcasts, interviews, and public addresses, often advocating for reasoned Orthodox responses to societal shifts. He appeared on "Podcast Against Antisemitism" in September 2022, discussing Jewish leadership amid rising threats. Remarks at the Board of Deputies of British Jews in September 2019 and Combat Antisemitism Movement events in June 2022 highlighted communal resilience. Contributions to Mosaic magazine via Tikvah Ideas (as of September 2024) and interviews like WebYeshiva's 2020 discussion on Ovadia Yosef underscore his role in broader intellectual discourse. These engagements position him as a voice for Sephardi modernism, prioritizing halachic fidelity over conformity to stricter Ashkenazi norms.

Controversies and Public Debates

2017 Lecture on Homosexuality

In May 2017, Rabbi Joseph Dweck delivered a 90-minute (lecture) titled on male at the Ner Yisrael Community synagogue in , , as part of a series addressing contemporary challenges in halacha (Jewish law). Dweck affirmed the Torah's explicit prohibition on male homosexual intercourse, as stated in Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13, while distinguishing it from peripheral sexual behaviors (known as abizrayhu in ), which he described as subject to a separate, blanket halachic prohibition applicable to all illicit unions, though not equivalent in severity to the primary act. He emphasized that these prohibitions target actions, not the individual's orientation or capacity for , interpreting the biblical term to'evah (abomination) as denoting rejection of the forbidden act rather than visceral toward persons, thereby allowing for empathy and within halachic limits. Drawing on medieval commentators such as , Dweck argued that expressions of and emotional bonds between men, even if same-sex oriented, could align with positive values of human connection, separate from physical acts. He condemned homophobic exclusionary practices, asserting that gay men should not be denied synagogue honors like aliyot ( honors) based solely on their orientation, as halacha does not disqualify individuals for non-transgressive traits. Dweck highlighted the societal shift toward acceptance of as prompting necessary Jewish on same-sex relationships, stating: " in society has forced us to look at how we deal with love between people of the same sex, and it has reduced the stigma... That to me is fantastic." Following initial reactions, Dweck issued a written clarification on June 2, 2017, reiterating the prohibitions on both the act and associated behaviors, denying any endorsement of or claims that biblical sages erred, and clarifying that his praise targeted openness to non-sexual love rather than prohibited conduct; he conceded the term "fantastic" was overstated and acknowledged omitting relevant responsa by Rabbi prohibiting even non-penetrative acts.

Responses from Rabbinic Authorities and Community

Following the May 2017 lecture, Dovid Bassous, a Strictly Orthodox in , publicly condemned Dweck's statements as "corrupt from beginning to end," describing the as "dangerous" and "poisonous" for potentially misleading the on halachic prohibitions. Israel's Chief Sephardi Rabbi , Dweck's uncle-in-law, issued a letter denouncing the lecture as "words of nonsense and ," expressing amazement and anger at its content and declaring Dweck unfit to serve as a . In response to escalating disputes, Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth described the public fallout as "deeply divisive and alarming," emphasizing the need for unity within , and convened a review committee comprising himself, Dayan Chanoch Ehrentreu, Dayan Menachem Gelley, and Dayan Abraham to examine Dweck's teachings. On July 19, 2017, the committee ruled that Dweck could retain his position as senior rabbi of the S&P Sephardi Community but must step down from the London , cancel international engagements like a planned U.S. tour, and issue a public apology for expressing views in an "inappropriate and imprudent" manner, while affirming that his core halachic stance aligned with Orthodox prohibitions on homosexual acts. An Israeli Orthodox Beth Din separately declared on June 19, 2017, that Dweck's positions rendered him incapable of serving as a spiritual leader. A group of British rabbis wrote to Mirvis on July 2, 2017, urging Dweck's removal from rabbinic roles, warning that retaining him would damage Orthodoxy's integrity. Community reactions included rival petitions: one supporting Dweck gathered hundreds of signatures affirming his right to intellectual discourse within halachic bounds, while opponents demanded his dismissal for undermining values. Some rabbis, including Cardozo and Rabbi Sherman Zimmerman, defended Dweck's lecture for its reasoned engagement with contemporary issues, criticizing detractors for stifling debate.

Long-Term Impact on His Position

Following the 2017 controversy over his lecture on , a review committee convened by ruled on July 19, 2017, that Rabbi Joseph Dweck could retain his role as Senior Rabbi of the S&P Sephardi Community, though he was removed from the community's (rabbinical court). This decision allowed him to continue leading the community without immediate dismissal, despite calls from some Orthodox rabbis for his removal. Over the subsequent years, Dweck maintained his position and influence within the S&P Sephardi Community, serving as Senior Rabbi for a total of 12 years by mid-2025. He continued to engage in communal leadership, including participation in events like the first-ever Sephardic Rabbinic Conference in August 2025 and delivering lectures on as recently as June 2025. No public records indicate ongoing institutional sanctions or diminished authority stemming directly from the 2017 events; instead, his tenure saw sustained involvement in interfaith councils and educational initiatives. In December 2024, Dweck announced his intention to step down in January 2026 to make to , citing a desire to be closer to his children rather than any professional repercussions from past controversies. This voluntary transition underscores that the long-term impact of the 2017 debate did not result in forced or marginalization, as he departed on his own terms after over a decade of leadership.

Recent Activities and Legacy

Educational and Communal Initiatives

In 2017, Dweck launched the Morasha education program within the S&P Sephardi Community, aimed at fostering a "voyage of discovery" to reinforce Sephardi heritage through structured learning. The initiative distributed monthly texts at , accompanied by discussion prompts, culminating in a communal lecture; the inaugural session on November 15, 2017, at Lauderdale Road Synagogue examined Herman Wouk's The Will to Live On. Open to all members regardless of age or , Morasha sought to nourish spiritual identity amid modern challenges. That same year, Dweck assumed oversight of as the religious authority for a proposed Jewish free school in , collaborating with merged educational bids to elevate instruction standards across . Drawing on over two decades of experience, including his prior tenure as headmaster of a large in New York, he emphasized faithful delivery of Sephardi-oriented curriculum. As Rosh Bet Midrash of TheHabura, an online and physical study house, Dweck has promoted accessible engagement, producing resources like podcasts, shiurim, and publications such as the to integrate traditional learning with contemporary life. This platform facilitates global participation in Sephardi-focused study, viewing as a framework for worldly interaction. Dweck's communal efforts extend to ambassadorial projects via his Senior Rabbi's Office, established to represent and educate on S&P heritage, alongside participation in the inaugural Sephardic Rabbinic Conference on August 10–11, 2025, in New York. There, he advocated for renewed Sephardi educational contributions to broader , highlighting sessions on AI applications in Jewish learning, through curricula, and plans for a classical Sephardic . He described the event as "the beginning of a renewal," underscoring collaborative heritage preservation.

Ongoing Influence in Sephardi Judaism

Despite the 2017 controversy surrounding his lecture on , Rabbi Joseph Dweck has maintained his position as Senior Rabbi of the Spanish and Portuguese (S&P) Sephardi Community of the , overseeing communal leadership for over a decade thereafter. In this role, he has continued to shape Sephardi Jewish practice by emphasizing educational outreach and philosophical engagement with contemporary issues, fostering a vision of Sephardi Judaism that extends beyond ethnic boundaries to appeal to broader Jewish audiences. His influence persisted through initiatives like annual scholar-in-residence programs with Sephardic communities worldwide and oversight of the Sephardi Authority, ensuring adherence to traditional halachic standards amid modern challenges. Dweck's ongoing contributions include regular teaching series, such as the "If I Am Not For Myself" class on personal ethics and teshuva (), which have engaged community members in reflective . He has also hosted the "Humans Being" , discussing 's relevance to human experience, thereby extending Sephardi perspectives into accessible to global audiences. These efforts reflect a commitment to intellectual rigor and communal vitality, positioning Sephardi as a dynamic tradition capable of addressing ethical dilemmas without compromising core tenets. As of 2025, Dweck's influence remains evident in interfaith and educational roles, including his deputy presidency of the London School of Jewish Studies and presidency of the Council of Christians and Jews, where he promotes dialogue rooted in Sephardi historical tolerance. Preparations for his to in January 2026 signal a transition to expanded global educational work, underscoring a legacy of leadership that has revitalized the S&P Community's engagement with younger generations and non-Sephardim alike. This shift highlights his enduring impact, as reflected in communal reflections on his 12-year tenure's contributions to unity and heritage preservation.

References

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  46. https://forward.com/news/382519/joseph-dweck/
  47. https://www.thejc.com/news/rabbi-joseph-dweck-issues-clarification-of-controversial-gay-love-comments-j42ux8t1
  48. https://www.thejc.com/news/rabbi-attacks-sephardi-leader-for-dangerous-gay-love-speech-fx7ubn3x
  49. https://www.jta.org/2017/06/06/culture/englands-top-sephardic-rabbi-said-acceptance-of-homosexuality-is-fantastic-controversy-ensued
  50. https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/row-over-same-sex-love-lecture-alarming-says-top-uk-rabbi-496852
  51. https://www.thejc.com/news/chiefs-concern-over-divisive-dweck-affair-knkjl3b2
  52. https://www.thejc.com/news/rabbi-dweck-can-remain-as-sephardi-leader-rabbinic-panel-says-qq6a1x4t
  53. https://www.timesofisrael.com/top-uk-sephardi-rabbi-who-hailed-acceptance-of-gays-to-step-down-as-clerical-judge/
  54. https://www.thejc.com/news/new-attack-on-rabbi-dweck-in-gay-love-dispute-wpwrvc3s
  55. https://www.haaretz.com/world-news/europe/2017-07-03/ty-article/british-rabbis-want-peer-fired-for-pro-homosexuality-comments/0000017f-e666-dc7e-adff-f6efeca80000
  56. https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/hundreds-back-rival-petitions-in-rabbis-gay-revolution-spat/
  57. https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/in-support-of-rabbi-joseph-dweck
  58. https://jewishjournal.com/commentary/opinion/221343/defense-rabbi-joseph-dweck-orthodox-judaism-open-letter-rabbi-s-f-zimmerman/
  59. https://www.cardozoacademy.org/thoughtstoponder/defense-rabbi-dweck-orthodox-judaism/
  60. https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/rabbi-dweck-can-stay-as-sephardi-leader-after-rabbinic-ruling/
  61. https://www.jta.org/2017/07/02/global/remove-leading-sephardi-rabbi-over-positive-remarks-on-homosexuality-british-rabbis-tell-mirvis
  62. https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/harmonious-heritage-rabbi-joseph-dwecks-vision-and-the-echo-of-the-abraham-accords/
  63. https://www.ladjente.com/post/first-ever-sephardic-rabbinic-conference-draws-global-leaders-to-nyc-launches-new-era-for-sephardic
  64. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0XIaEIwIIE
  65. https://www.thejc.com/news/rabbi-dweck-launches-new-education-programme-o9awhjtg
  66. https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/senior-sephardi-rabbi-to-oversee-jewish-studies-in-new-free-school/
  67. https://www.thehabura.com/
  68. https://www.seniorrabbi.com/
  69. https://www.thejc.com/judaism/rabbi-dwecks-legacy-ce055xmu
  70. https://torahinmotion.org/speakers/rabbi-joseph-dweck
  71. https://www.facebook.com/RJDweck/
  72. https://x.com/rabbidweck
  73. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAYHNODKf4k
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