Generations of synagogues have marked the hiring of a new rabbi with an “installation,” a historically sacred event which represents the official transition of spiritual leadership. The event is traditionally solemn, but Rabbi Benjamin David views his ceremonial appointment at Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel (KI) in Elkins Park through a different lens: one that is upbeat, inclusive and fun for all ages.

“I pride myself on being very relatable and personable. That’s how I have always been. I love forming connections with people,” he said.

David, who joined KI in June, is already a familiar face among the preschoolers via weekly appearances (often with a puppet) at Tot Shabbat, and is a monthly regular at JQuest Bagel Brunches, a program of KI’s Religious School.

“After so much separation during Covid, our students are so happy to be together again, and Rabbi David is so easy to be with,” Deborah Rosen, Director of the Religious School, said. “Brainstorming on his installation, our students ultimately decided to create original art with messages welcoming Rabbi David to KI.”

Rabbi David’s formal installation will take place at 7:00pm on October 28 and will feature a series of special activities, including a special performance of Camp Harlam musical favorites organized by Cantor Levy’s Shir KI Choir, and words from Reform Movement rabbis. Dr. Andrea Weiss, Provost at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion; Rabbi Stacy Rigler, Executive Director of the Association of Reform Jewish Educator; and Rabbi Michael S. Friedman of Temple Israel will be on hand to share their reflections.

Rabbi Jerome P. David, Benjamin’s dad, will be present to share as well. A young and newly-ordained Rabbi David spoke at Rabbi Jerome’s installation in New Jersey, a ceremony that was deferred 30 years into his tenure.

“I am standing on the shoulder of giants who led this congregation as leaders and scholars. These KI leaders drove the Reform Movement forward and I couldn’t be more humbled and honored to now be among them,” Rabbi David said.

A father of three, Rabbi David is a 20-time marathon runner, a cancer survivor, and co-founder of the Running Rabbis, a social justice initiative that works with clergy worldwide to run and walk in the name of worthy causes. His wife, Lisa David, serves as URJ Camp Harlam’s first female director. For more on his life and work, you can read his biography page here.