Q & A With Rabbi Fajnland

By Aaron Fine

We have heard great things about Rabbi Leibel Fajnland and his friendly one on one warm approach. Many people in the Reston - Herndon appreciate his down-to-earth nurturing approach in teaching and guiding people towards Judaism or just spirituality. So, this month, I decided to interview him as an integral member of the Reston - Herndon landscape.

How and why did you become a rabbi?

It was always so inherent in me to help people that I just gravitated towards it. Contrary to what my appearance may suggest I grew up in Long Beach CA and not in Brooklyn. Yet I found that my love of religion instilled in me by my parents enabled me to explain the mystique of Judaism to my non-observant friends and soon many others were coming to me to learn.

What do you hope to accomplish as a rabbi?

Two things: to bring happiness to people's lives and to help them create a connection to their religion or spirituality. I make it an exciting, positive, non-judgmental experience. I am not a pulpit rabbi trying to sell a quick fix on how to become happy. I invite people to become part of my family and they begin to notice through my family that religion is a positive experience and a way of life.

You say you're non-judgmental; can you give us an example of that?

Any Jew that moves can enjoy our services and programs. As far as I'm concerned a Jew is a Jew is a Jew. Labels are for jackets. For that reason we don’t have membership fees. Every Jew belongs, every Jew is already a member, it’s their birthright.


Many Orthodox rabbis look so foreboding, so foreign with their long black coats, hats and flowing beards. Many people feel they can't relate. How do you combat that image?

I smile; people love that instant acceptance. I do not like the word "orthodox." It sounds harsh, close-minded, right wing and very judgmental, and living in this cosmopolitan area people want to be accepted for who they are and not what you want them to be. Therefore, we have no membership fees, we don't ask for your religious background or affiliation. All we ask is that you come and enjoy and find out why Judaism has been so exciting for thousands of years.

You welcome all. How do you sustain your institution?

I don't believe in making people feel guilty that you have to pay to pray; I prefer the second choice of giving people a wonderful experience so they want to keep coming back with their families and others to enjoy. Thank G‑d people donate. 

When people come to your home for Shabbos [Friday night] dinners, are they surprised at their misconceptions of you and your family?

At first yes, because most people think that we lead sheltered lives and could not relate with their lifestyle. But after ten minutes they recognize  that you could be "with it," happy, and well-adjusted with religion in your life.

Why have American Jews lost interest in their religion?

I too would be bored with Judaism if I was put in a synagogue with a book to read which I didn't understand.

How do you bring their interest back?

My synagogue is based on their level, to uplift them to an understanding, love and appreciation of our awesome religion.

Tell me the role your wife, Nechamie, plays in your lives.

Besides being the best wife in the world, she is a mentor to many of the women in the community. She is also the Director of the Gan Israel Preschool and the mother of our four children. She loves showing people the life we have created that they too can have.

I hear she is an amazing cook.

You hear right. Come have dinner with us any Shabbos. It is a feast you will remember. The table is ready with smiles and love and the food tastes even more special because it is Shabbos.