Rabbi

Rabbi, Dr. Alfred H. Benjamin

הרב אפרים צבי בן משה ראובן ויחד פריידע בנימין

Rabbi Fred Benjamin or RabbiB as we call him, received his ordination at The Jewish Theological Seminary of America in 1987.  Two years of Rabbinical School were spent at Jerusalem’s Hebrew University.  His undergraduate studies were at The Ohio State University where he earned a BS in psychology with an emphasis in early childhood development.  His first pulpit was in Cherry Hill, NJ as Assistant and then Associate to Rabbi Al Lewis, Zichrono Livracha.  (See Mitch Albom’s book, “Have a Little Faith”)  He and his family then made Aliyah moving to Jerusalem where he worked as a tour guide, leader of archaeological digs and Division Head for Young Judea’s College Year Course.  We are so proud that in May, 2015, RabbiB was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree by The Seminary.  While RabbiB has brought a lot of innovation and creativity into our religious services, as a rabbi ordained by The Seminary, we embrace our choice to have a spiritual leader who both adheres to core understandings of traditional observance and identity, and at the same time welcomes each and every person with love, respect and dignity.

RabbiB joined our Congregational community in 2006 and from day one has shared with us an infectious joy of Jewish life and culture. He brought with him extensive experience in Jewish camping, formal and informal education, a deep knowledge of the Land of Israel and Jewish History, a love of Jewish music, Torah learning, Tradition, and the values Judaism brings into the world and into our lives. One of his favorite sayings is, “No school, no shul” and so it is no wonder that he plays a major role as educator and program planner in our Religious School. His study of Christian theology and respect for people of all faiths has helped him form strong bonds in the wider community including serving as a leader in the Milton Interfaith Clergy Association.  RabbiB also has a close working relationship with the leadership of the Milton Public School system, advising them on issues of concern to the Jewish community and all who seek to advance the values of diversity and mutual respect.

Rabbi Benjamin has two adult children, Yael and Noah, and now Micah, born on September 2, 2014, the newest blessing in his and his wife Alison’s life.  RabbiB is an avid sportsman playing softball in the summer and ice-hockey year round. He also enjoys tennis, Scrabble and taking bike trips….the most recent when he and Alison toured Spain.

Read Balancing Communal Norms with Individual Autonomoy or…On the Count of 3, Let’s all Sing Adon Olam!
Letter from Rabbi Benjamin to the congregation

Rabbi Benjamin’s Office Hours*
Monday: Rabbi’s Day off
Tuesday: 11:00 – 3:30
Wednesday: 11:00 – 3:30
Thursday: 2:00 -6:00
Friday: 11:00 – 3:00
* – To arrange a meeting outside of Office Hours please call the office at 617-698-3394 or email Rabbi Benjamin at rabbifredbenjamin@gmail.com