Angel Kreiman Brill

Angel Kreiman-Brill (December 22, 1945 – January 5, 2014) was the Chief Rabbi of Chile during the 1970s and 1980s. Kreiman-Brill was a leader in interfaith outreach and cooperation, especially with Catholicism.

Early life and education

Kreiman was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and grew up in a secular family. He attended Morim Seminary This period was full of challenges, particularly during the presidency of Salvador Allende (1970–73), and later, during the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet (1973-1990). Despite the difficulties imposed by the socialist regime first, and then during the military dictatorship, Kreiman started religious equalitarian services, youth activities, summer camps, conferences, and cultural events even amidst protests.

During the dictatorship, he worked hard to support human rights; he was a founding member of the Committee of Cooperation for Peace in Chile , a human rights organization created in 1973 by the Christian churches together with the Jewish community to protect the life and physical integrity of people persecuted by the military dictatorship of Chile. ). That terror attack changed his life forever. 85 victims were killed, among them was his wife Julia Susana Wolinsky.

In 1995 he returned to Chile, to the southern city of Concepción.

He was a Jewish chaplain in the Scouts of Argentina until 2012.

Israel In 2012, Rabbi Kreiman made Aliyah where he settled in Jerusalem, a couple of blocks away from the Great Synagogue, where he was admired and acknowledged for his presence, knowledge of the liturgy and the ability to create bonds. He walked different ideological paths and enjoyed the experience. During his last year, he formally approached Orthodoxy.

Interfaith activities

His commitment to interfaith activities was evident through his collaboration with Catholic organizations and his role as director of the International Council of Christians and Jews in Latin America, as well as international Vice President of the World Council of Synagogues.

Kreiman was close to Opus Dei, and participated in congresses in Buenos Aires and at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome.

Notably, in 1998 he was invited by King Hussein of Jordan, who warmly welcomed him as an honored guest, facilitating the commencement of the Judeo-Islamic dialogue in Latin America. Thousands of people listened to his sermons all around the world. They can be found at the archives of the Hebrew University.

Death When he was visiting Chile in 2014, he suddenly died in Rancagua (Chile). Kreiman left three daughters, Marianella, Claudia, and Marcela, and six grandchildren.

He was buried in Buenos Aires, Argentina, next to his wife Julia Susana Wolinsky.

Works Tesoros de La Tradicion Judia (May 1997)