Kehillat Israel History

Rabbi Irvin Chinn

Rabbin Irvin Chinn. a native of Baltimore, studied at Mesivta Torah V'daath andBeth Midrach Elyon. In fact, his derashot regularly contained quotes from hisrebbeim, Rav Kaminetsky, Rav Mendelovitz, as well as, the Klausenberger Rav.

His rabbinate may have been in Pennsylvania, but his influence resonatedthroughout the entire tri-state area. Rabbi Chinn was the voice ofuncompromising Orthodoxy and most compassionate Judaism.

When I first began my career, there was a family more traditional than therest, hailing from Shenandoah, PA. What made them so committed? The answer,"a young rabbi in Shenandoah; Rabbi Chinn, and there were more likeus." From Shenandoah to MCkeesport, he became there a pillar of faith forthe community. A young man who grew up in Mckeesport told me that everyoneloved him and that he treated everyone with respect and love.

For over fifty years, the rabbi led his congregation and community even indifficult economic times for the region. When he moved his synagogue acrosstown, he was concerned about a mikveh, so he built one in a garage adjacent tothis home. When the community began to decline, he brought in a day school, ayeshiva and a kollel to his synagogue building and reversed the trend.

His most treasured possession was a letter from the Hafetz Chaim given to hisgrandfather, thanking him and his family for their help in raising funds forhis Yeshiva.

Rabbi Irvin Chinn – a most treasured possession!