Officers of the Congregation      Office and Volunteer Staff

Clergy:

 "…a sacred partnership dedicated to supporting a congregation where members feel connected and spiritually enhanced."

Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel was founded in 1847 as a traditional synagogue. In a move that made it Philadelphia's first progressive synagogue, KI became a Reform congregation in 1855 and was later considered the region's flagship for the Union for Reform Judaism. Our rabbis have been central figures in Reform Judaism and have helped shape the movement as we know it today. KI continues to serve a leadership role as a visionary congregation, dedicated to meeting the ongoing and ever-changing needs of our Jewish community.

All of KI's leadership - from rabbis and educators to officers and administrative staff - believe in a sacred partnership dedicated to supporting a congregation where members feel connected and spiritually enhanced. Our rabbis listen and are responsive. Our educators are inspiring and intellectually challenging. Our lay leaders and senior staff work together to make KI a unified, visionary place of worship.


 

RABBI LANCE J. SUSSMAN, PhD.   began his service as the eighth Senior Rabbi of Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel in July 2001. A renowned author and dynamic lecturer, Rabbi Sussman has published numerous books and articles, including Isaac Lesser and the Making of American Judaism, and Sharing Sacred Moments (a collection of his sermons), and served as an editor of Reform Judaism in America: A Biographical Dictionary and Sourcebook.

Rabbi Sussman is national Chair of the CCAR Press, the publishing arm of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, and is currently overseeing the production of the new Reform prayer book.  He is also a Trustee both of the Center for Advanced Judaic Studies at the University of Pennsylvania and the Delaware Valley College and is an active member of the Academic Advisory and Editorial Board of the American Jewish Archives (Cincinnati). He is a past president of the Cheltenham Area Multifaith Council and the Delaware Valley Association of Reform Rabbis.   Previously,  Rabbi Sussman served as Chair of Jewish Studies Department at Binghamton University-SUNY and has offered courses in Jewish History at Hebrew Union College in New York City, Rutgers University - New Brunswick and Gratz College.

Rabbi Sussman sets the tone and standard for an environment of genuine community and life-long learning at KI. Knowledgeable and approachable, he always brings a new and fresh perspective to the congregation. He is a rabbinic leader of many strengths evidenced by his scholarly sermons, his caring presence during times of joy and sorrow, his open and honest dialogue with members of the congregation and the community and his obvious love of sharing Judaism with children and adults alike. Rabbi Sussman is the creator of the KI Puppets and loves playing the role of Torah Turtle at Tot Shabbat.

Rabbi Sussman and his wife, Liz, Director of the Robert J. Wilf Preschool at the Kaiserman JCC and founder of KI's Shir Joy Choir, share the joy of raising their children Benjamin & Kelly, Joshua, Micah, Judah and Chana.

Email:  RabbiLJS@kenesethisrael.org


RABBI PETER RIGLER  was appointed KI’s Assistant Rabbi in July 2002, immediately following his ordination from Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) in New York. He has extensive experience working with both youth programming and the Reform Movement’s camping program. He was Youth Group Advisor for the North American Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY) and received the Pennsylvania Area Region’s Youth Group “Advisor of the Year” Award. His understanding of today’s youth and the  current issues influencing them has helped him effectively develop within KI’s students a commitment to their religious education and the joy of being part of our synagogue community.               
Rabbi Rigler’s keen talent with youth is complemented by his dedication to adult learning and his commitment to social action and sharing  life-cycle events with our members. Rabbi Rigler is a recent graduate of the Synagogue Transformation and Renewal Program — a two-year  leadership training course. He displays his many talents in his dedicated  and caring work with our members and is active in both the Jewish and general community. 

Rabbi Rigler, now our Associate Rabbi, is married to Rabbi Stacy Eskovitz Rigler, KI’s Director of Religious Education. Their children, Maya and Nathan, attend KI’s Preschool and Infant Center.

Email:  RabbiPCR@kenesethisrael.org


Cantor Amy E. Levy, appointed Cantor of KI in July 2004, considers herself blessed to be doing “work” she truly believes to be a calling. Cantor Levy knew when she made her first trip to Israel during high school that she wanted to serve the Jewish people. She loves to sing and teach about what is meaningful and important to her. 

Graduating from the University of Kansas in 1996 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music for Vocal Performance, Cantor Levy went on to the Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute for Religion’s School of Sacred Music. Her graduation and investiture as a Cantor took place in 2000. Cantor Levy served Temple Israel in Tulsa, Oklahoma until June 2004. She served on the Executive Board of the  American Conference of Cantors, and is active in Hadassah. She performed in Cantorial Concerts from New York to Oklahoma.

Cantor Levy enjoys working with congregants of all ages and with all kinds of music. From the bar and bat mitzvah students to choirs for every age group, to Rock n’ Roll Shabbats, and Yiddish music, she makes the worlds of Jewish music and sacred music accessible. Cantor Levy’s endless talent, spirituality, and enthusiasm leave an indelible and joyous imprint on the souls of everyone with whom she comes in contact!

Cantor Levy is married to Ross M. Levy.

Email:  CantorAEL@kenesethisrael.org 
Web Site: http://www.unlimitedprayer.com


RABBI STACY ESKOVITZ RIGLER, MAJE, was appointed KI’s Director of Religious Education in July 2003. After receiving a Bachelor of  Arts degree in Political Science from Emory University, Rabbi Eskovitz Rigler earned her Master of Arts degree in Jewish Education from Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) in Los Angeles in May 2001 and was ordained as a rabbi in New York in May 2003. 

During her tenure at KI she has overseen the accreditation of both our Library and our Religious School programs.  She has worked at Camp Harlam, the URJ Department of Jewish Education and the Religious Action Center in Washington, D.C. and  participated in the HUC-JIR/JTS Leadership Institute for Congregational School Principals. Rabbi Eskovitz Rigler has developed a well-rounded program that is warm, inclusive and meets the needs of our Religious School families.  She engages the children in an exceptional curriculum while involving the families with creative programming and enrichment opportunities.

Rabbi Stacy Eskovitz Rigler is married to Rabbi Peter Rigler, KI’s Associate Rabbi. Their children, Maya and Nathan, attend KI’s Preschool and Infant Center.

Email:  Educator@kenesethisrael.org


Brian D. Rissinger joined KI as its Executive Director in July 2006. An active member of the National Association of Temple Administrators, Brian has an extensive background in synagogue administration and operations. For 17 years, Brian served as Executive Director of Main Line Reform Temple in Wynnewood, PA, where he was involved in all aspects of the synagogue's systems, finances, membership, staff recruitment and facility maintenance. Prior to serving at Main Line Reform Temple, Brian was a member of the administrative team at Federation Early Learning Services for eleven years. Brian holds a bachelor of science degree in psychology.

Brian also serves as a member of the board for the Interfaith Coalition on Energy
.

  email: brissinger@kenesethisrael.org


Beth Berman, M.S.Ed.,director of the Richard E. Rudolph Jr. Preschool, started at KI in July 2005.  Berman earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Delaware and her master’s degree in early childhood education from the University of Pennsylvania. She belongs to National Association of the Education of the Young Child, the Delaware Valley Association of the Education of the Young Children, NATE, and the Early Childhood Educators of Reform Judaism, an affiliate of the Union for Reform Judaism. 
 
Beth has two daughters, Samantha and Jolie, who  attend KI’s Religious School.


  Preschool Calendar (2006-07)     

Email: preschooldirector@kenesethisrael.org     215-885-2425.


   Andrew J. Flame, President

   Andrew J. Flame, a second generation member of KI, is proud to call the Congregation home.  Andrew grew up at KI, having attended preschool and having celebrated his Bar Mitzvah, confirmation, and wedding here.  As of June 2007, Andrew serves as our Congregation’s President.  It was Andrew’s youth group (KIFTY and NFTY-PAR) and Jewish camping (Camp Harlam) experiences that motivated him to become involved in synagogue life.  But it is the genuine warmth and quality of those in the KI family – members, volunteers, lay leaders, clergy, professional staff and teachers – that continue to inspire Andrew.  Andrew’s top priority as President is to continue and build on KI’s success in providing all that come in contact with KI – from toddlers to our most senior members – an experience that is welcoming and uniquely rewarding, spiritually, intellectually and socially.
           
Andrew is a partner of the Philadelphia-based law firm of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, focusing his practice on complex commercial litigation, creditors rights and bankruptcy.  Andrew and his wife, Lori, have one daughter, Rachel, who attends religious school at KI’s Blue Bell Campus and will become a Bat Mitzvah in 2013

Email: kipresident@comcast.net


Emeriti
Rabbi Simeon J. Maslin, Rabbi Emeritus


Rabbi Simeon J. Maslin was elected the sixth Senior Rabbi of Keneseth Israel in 1980. Holding degrees from Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion and Chicago Theological Seminary, Rabbi Maslin is the author of two books and numerous articles and pamphlets. He served both the oldest congregation in the Western Hemisphere (Mikve Israel-Emanuel of Curacao) and the oldest congregation in Illinois (K.A.M. of Chicago) before coming to Keneseth Israel, the oldest Reform congregation in Greater Philadelphia. He is a Past-President of the Central Conference of American Rabbis.

Email:  ShiMaslin@aol.com


Cantor Emeritus Richard Allen

Cantor Emeritus Richard Allen has served the Congregation with distinction from 1976 to 1997. Over the past 21 years, he has enriched the Jewish dimension of our musical liturgy with his baritone voice and musical sensibilities. Cantor Allen has presented the best of our tradition from Sulzer to Steinberg. He has made recordings with Max Janowski and Ben Steinberg. Steinberg's Shomeir Yisrael was commissioned by KI and written for Cantor Allen's voice. His cantorial career spans thirty-five years. He is known internationally for his operatic and concert performances. Cantor Allen currently teaches music, studies, and remains accessible to our congregation. 


Bill Ferstenfeld, Executive Administrator, Emeritus

William Ferstenfeld was named Executive Administrator Emeritus upon his retirement from the field of Temple Administration in 2003.  Bill served K.I. for over 25 years where he was involved in the day to day operations of the Temple.  During his tenure at K.I., Bill was active in the national Reform movement as well.  He is a past president of the National Association of Temple Administrators, served as a member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregation's Board of Trustees, Executive Committee and Commission on Synagogue Management. Bill and his wife Nancy, currently reside in the Palm Springs, CA area.  He is a project manager in his family's subcontracting business

Email:  BFerst@aol.com


Jonathan Bowen, Organist & Choirmaster

Jonathan Bowen is the Organist & Choirmaster at Keneseth Israel.  Jonathan is also in his 14th year as Organist-Choirmaster at The Church of St. Luke & The Epiphany (Episcopal) in Center City Philadelphia.  He pursued a Bachelor of Music degree in Church Music at Westminster Choir College, studying organ with Robert Carwithen and choral conducting with Melanie Jacobson.  Jonathan participated as organist with the Philadelphia Orchestra on their US Tour in September-October of 2001.  From 1992-96 he was also an assistant organist in the Grand Court of the Lord & Taylor Department Store in Philadelphia.  In his spare time he works for Brant Duddy Pipe Organs, Inc.

 

 

Keneseth Israel Officers

2008-2009

President

Andrew J. Flame

kipresident@comcast.net

First Vice President

Peter Soloff

Soloff@BlankRome.com

Vice President

Alan Bruck

dorian123@comcast.net

Vice President

Stanley Singer

sasinger@comcast.net

Treasurer

Scott Lempert soodlempert@comcast.net

Associate Treasurer

Andrea Brookman admbrook2002@yahoo.com

Secretary

Marc Furman

mfurman@cohenseglias.com

Associate Secretary

Evonne Kruger

evainez@aol.com

Immediate Past President

Carey  S. Roseman

CRoseman1@comcast.net

This page was updated 06/15/2008 06:47 PM

       
       
 
 

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