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Lou Weiss stood beside Papa Gelman as TVT took shape, helping build support for a school that would become part of his family’s life across generations. We honor his commitment from those earliest days through his service on the Board of Directors and as Board President.
How did your TVT story begin?
In late 1989, Papa Gelman shared an extraordinary vision with me: to create a Jewish day school in Orange County that would nurture the educational, cultural, and spiritual lives of his grandchildren—and, he hoped, generations of Jewish children to come. He also envisioned the school as a living memorial to his daughter and my wife, Naomi Gelman Weiss, who had recently passed away.
My role in those early days was to stand beside Papa with Rochelle Gelman—his wife and my mother-in-law—as an unofficial adviser, advocate, and enthusiastic supporter. Papa rebuilt the Jewish Studies Institute and gave it a new name: Tarbut V’Torah. Before long, a small but deeply committed group of community members rallied around his vision and helped bring the school to life.
Three of my children had the privilege of attending Papa’s school. Together, they spent 27 school years at Tarbut V’Torah. Today, I am profoundly grateful that my grandchildren also attend, carrying Papa’s vision forward from generation to generation.
Who or what at TVT has made a lasting impact on you?
For me, there is only one answer: Papa. Tarbut V’Torah was never about his ego; it was the expression of his deepest conviction that Jewish education creates Jewish strength, continuity, and hope for the future.
Why do you believe it is important to invest in TVT's future?
My son Lonny has already made the most meaningful investment possible by entrusting his most precious gift—his children, my grandchildren and Papa’s great-grandchildren—to Papa’s school. Investing in TVT means safeguarding a vibrant Jewish future for my family and for our entire community.
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