Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel Welcomes Rabbi Benjamin David

New KI Rabbi Benjamin David Excited to Share His Passion for People and Torah

Elkins Park, Pa - When Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel (KI) welcomed its new Rabbi on July 1, it also welcomed in a 20-time marathon runner who is committed to fostering equity, inclusion, and a love for Torah among his new Elkins Park congregation.

Rabbi Benjamin David has joined KI from Adath Emanu-El in Mt. Laurel, N.J., where he served as Rabbi for the past 10 years. Under his tenure, the 350-household congregation revitalized its post B’nei Mitzvah, Confirmation and adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah programs, wrote a new Torah, and lead monthly Talmud classes. One notable point of pride for Rabbi David was a successful inclusion program he spearheaded at Adath Emanu-El.

“The Jewish community is at its best when everyone accepts everyone, no matter what you believe,” he said. “The best message a temple can send its members is ‘you be you, and you will be accepted here.’”

A well-spoken Torah scholar, it was actually his warmth and his passion for building congregational relationships that caught the attention of KI’s Rabbinic Search Committee during a one-year search process which included a congregation survey, member focus groups, an assessment of two dozen resumes, and personal interviews.

“Rabbi David’s focus on social justice, scholarly insights, inclusion and his support of Israel impressed us, but what really excited us was his enthusiasm for forming personal connections with KI members,” explained Karen Sirota, co-chair of the Rabbinic Search Committee.

The excitement was mutual. Rabbi David was very familiar with KI’s long-established history of serving the Philadelphia Jewish community since 1847.

“I have known about KI since I was a kid. I have always respected KI’s commitment to social justice and how the temple continuously innovates while simultaneously honoring and reflecting on its past,” said Rabbi David.

Like KI, Rabbi David has drawn on his experiences from his past to guide his future. The son of Temple Emanuel of Cherry Hill’s Rabbi Emeritus, Rabbi David’s love for his childhood synagogue, his summers at Camp Harlam, and the leadership skills he developed in NFTY laid the groundwork for his educational pathway. After graduating with honors from Muhlenberg College, he entered Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion, where he earned a Master of Arts in Hebrew Letters. He was ordained in 2004. Prior to his tenure at Adath Emanu-El, he served as Associate Rabbi at Temple Sinai in Roslyn Heights, N.Y. for seven years.

When not in the temple, Rabbi can be found pounding the pavement, in sneakers. In fact, he is the co-founder of “The Running Rabbis,” a group of rabbis and cantors who raise money for charities by running marathons.

As a Reform Jew, Rabbi David believes Torah can be used to guide the evolution and innovation of every generation.

“Everything that Reform Jews are focused on today – social justice, repairing the world, equity – is rooted in Torah,” he says.

He looks forward to intertwining these ideals with a robust calendar of activities at KI, including a series of small and large group gatherings and programs designed to introduce him to the KI community and vice versa.

His first Shabbat service will be held July 8, at 6 p.m., one week after he assumed the role of his predecessor, the esteemed Rabbi Lance J. Sussman, who has served as KI’s Senior Rabbi since 2001.

A father of three, Rabbi David is the spouse of URJ Camp Harlam’s first female director, Lisa David. The family is moving to Jenkintown to be an active part of the community.

“We are very excited about what is ahead,” said Rabbi David.

KI’s Cantor Amy Levy, with whom he will be collaborating with closely, echoes this optimism. She says, “I am really looking forward to working with my new clergy partner, dreaming together, and continuing the strength and enthusiasm that is KI.”

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