About Us
Beth Israel Synagogue was founded in the early 1950's by 20 families who moved to Southern Maryland with the building of the Patuxent River Naval Air Station. Throughout the years we have grown and evolved, catering to a diverse membership with a wide spectrum of both spiritual and religious needs. Our members come not only from St. Mary's County, but also from neighboring Charles and Calvert Counties.
Beth Israel provides scheduled religious services for Shabbat and the High Holidays. We sponsor congregational holiday celebrations, such as for Sukkot, Chanukah, Purim and Pesach. We support all Jewish life cycle events of our congregants. Our Hebrew School classes take place on Sundays from the weekend after Labor day through the beginning of June for children from pre-school age through middle school. Bar and Bat Mitzvah preparation is also available by special arrangement.
Religious services are lead by Rabbi Kenneth Cohen.
Please check the Calendar for all scheduled dates and times.
Religious services are lead by Rabbi Kenneth Cohen.
Please check the Calendar for all scheduled dates and times.
Our Rabbi
Rabbi Ken Cohen has been spiritual leader of Beth Israel since 2014. He is a native of New Jersey and is a graduate of Rutgers Prep, Georgetown University, Baltimore Hebrew University and was ordained a rabbi at Leo Baeck College in London, where he is currently a fellow.
Ken has served congregations in Cardiff, Wales, Southfield, Michigan and Columbia, Maryland. He has been Executive Director of the Seaboard Region of the United Synagogue, American University, and the Baltimore Washington Kashrut Council. Ken was a Reserve Chaplain in the US Navy. He was a broadcaster with BBC Wales and was a religious advisor with HBO.
In August 2023, Ken was initiated Inspector General Honorary of the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite of Freemasons, 33rd degree. He is an Amateur Radio operator and endures jokes about being “a kosher ham.” He was Section Manager for Maryland/DC of the American Radio Relay League and has confirmed contacts with over 100 countries and all fifty states.
Ken was chair of the Howard County Public Ethics Commission.
Ken holds an honorary Doctor of Divinity from the Jewish Theological Seminary.
Ken makes his home in Bethesda and is married to journalist Joanne Kenen and is father of two adult sons, Zach and Ilan
www.rabbicohen.com/blog-a-guide-for-the-perplexed
The views expressed in the Rabbi's blog do not reflect the views of Beth Israel Synagogue
Ken has served congregations in Cardiff, Wales, Southfield, Michigan and Columbia, Maryland. He has been Executive Director of the Seaboard Region of the United Synagogue, American University, and the Baltimore Washington Kashrut Council. Ken was a Reserve Chaplain in the US Navy. He was a broadcaster with BBC Wales and was a religious advisor with HBO.
In August 2023, Ken was initiated Inspector General Honorary of the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite of Freemasons, 33rd degree. He is an Amateur Radio operator and endures jokes about being “a kosher ham.” He was Section Manager for Maryland/DC of the American Radio Relay League and has confirmed contacts with over 100 countries and all fifty states.
Ken was chair of the Howard County Public Ethics Commission.
Ken holds an honorary Doctor of Divinity from the Jewish Theological Seminary.
Ken makes his home in Bethesda and is married to journalist Joanne Kenen and is father of two adult sons, Zach and Ilan
www.rabbicohen.com/blog-a-guide-for-the-perplexed
The views expressed in the Rabbi's blog do not reflect the views of Beth Israel Synagogue
