About

Rabbi Kenneth A. Stern, a first-generation American, is a graduate of Bronx High School of Science. While his family‘s congregational Hebrew School provided him with strong synagogue skills, he sought a more rigorous Jewish education. This led him to enroll in the dual-degree program at Columbia University and The Jewish Theological Seminary. Initially planning to take a few Jewish studies courses, his passion for Judaism deepened, and he fully committed to the rabbinate. Stern received his rabbinical ordination in 1981, the same year he married Suzanne (Suzi) Rose, who was entering medical school at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU). At Park Synagogue in Cleveland Heights he found his true calling: connecting with people – helping congregants navigate religious life, teaching children, guiding them in times of joy and sorrow, and fostering a sense of community. To enhance his counseling skills, he earned a certificate in pastoral care from CWRU.

A hallmark of Stern’s rabbinate has been expanding synagogue programming. At Park Synagogue, he launched numerous social and religious initiatives, established a five-year Hebrew High School program, and significantly grew Camp Ramah participation from two to over 30 campers. At Beth El Congregation of the South Hills in Pittsburgh, he encouraged the congregation to “think big“, leading a major facility expansion and developing a cohort of “shul kids” proficient in Shabbat services and Torah reading. As Rabbinic Consortium President, he strengthened ties with communal organizations and guided the community through the aftermath of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin’s assassination.

At Park Avenue Synagogue, he helped transform a large, formal congregation into a more welcoming, family-centered community, spearheading a successful Family Education program and fostering a cohesive clergy team. At Congregation Gesher Shalom JCC of Fort Lee, he guided two merger votes, seamlessly integrating members while strengthening advocacy for Israel, leading delegations to the annual Policy Conference, and engaging in critical discussions on Israeli policy. On receiving an honorary doctorate from the Jewish Theological Seminary, his citation praised him for making “a lasting spiritual and emotional impact, always going the extra mile for his congregants.” Stern and Rose are proud parents of two and grandparents of three.

Their children maintain kosher homes, and all are (or will be) Ramahniks and Day School-educated. Stern loves reading, walking fast (like a New Yorker), schmoozing, and Caribbean vacations. He and Suzi reside in Center City, where they are members of BZBI.