Rabbi Winter

In Tishrei 5779 (October 2018), just a few short days removed from the joy and jubilation we experienced during the Yomim Tovim, our congregation was shaken into sorrow upon the death of our beloved Rav, Rabbi Aaron Winter, ZT"L after a prolonged illness.  Rabbi Winter courageously battled his illness with an unwavering faith and trust in Hashem, the very same attributes with which he imbued his congregation during his nearly thirty years as spiritual leader.

Rabbi Winter moved to Chesterfield to assume leadership of our synagogue in 1989 after holding prior positions in Phoenix, AZ and Richmond, VA.  He studied under the revered Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Chofetz Chaim, Rabbi Henoch Leibowitz, ZT"L where he received his Smicha (Rabbinic ordination).  Rabbi Winter also received Smicha from HaRav HaGaon Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, ZT"L.   Rabbi Winter was known for placing a strong emphasis on the teaching of Mussar and in his unyielding adherence to Halacha.  

Under Rabbi Winter's leadership, our synagogue established the Chesterfield community eruv, built a full service, state of the art mikvah, and most recently founded the Chesterfield Community Kollel. Additionally, Rabbi Winter spearheaded the drive to bring to Chesterfield the Missouri Torah Institute, a thriving High School and post High School Beis Medrash program for boys that educates students not only from St. Louis, but from across the United States.

With the dedicated assistance and encouragement of his wife, tibadel l'chaim tovim Rebbitzen Chani Winter, Rabbi Winter instilled in our community true Torah values and was instrumental in creating the close knit, Torah based community we are privileged to experience at Tpheris Israel Chevra Kadisha Congregation.

Along with Rebbitzen Winter, Rabbi Winter is survived by eight children and many grandchildren.  He is succeeded as our Rav by his son, Rabbi Moshe Winter.