Beth Israel
Leadership
Our Rabbi and staff strive to inspire our Beth Israel
Congregation with their passion and love for Judaism.
Rabbi Jon Cutler
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Rabbi Cutler, a native of Philadelphia, earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts from Temple University in Religious Studies. He earned a Master of Hebrew Letters and received his ordination as a Rabbi from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Wyncote, PA. He then earned his Doctor of Ministry (Counseling) from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York.
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On September 1st, 2015, Rabbi Cutler become the rabbi of Beth Israel Congregation of Chester County and continues to serve the members of Beth Israel.
Rabbi Cutler’s extensive pulpit experience includes serving four congregations in his civilian career – Congregation Bet Tikva, Flemington, NJ (1993-1999); Congregation Tiferes B’nai Israel, Warrington, PA (1999-2007); Darkaynu, Warrington, PA (2009-2015); and an interim rabbi at Congregation Beth Hatikva (JRF) in Summit, NJ (2013-2014).
Rabbi Cutler retired (2017) as a Captain in the U.S. Navy Reserves after serving 32 years. He served on active duty for five years - Philippines, Camp Lejeune, NC and Japan.
As a reservist, his last assignment was Deputy Chaplain for the US Marine Corps (2015-2017) at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. He served as the Force Chaplain for Naval Sea Systems Command and as Deputy Force Chaplain, Commander Navy Installations Command in Washington, DC (2013-2015) and Deputy Command Chaplain for the US 6th Fleet, U.S. Forces Europe and Africa (2012-2013). In addition, he was mobilized to East Africa, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa as the Force Chaplain and Director of Religious Affairs (2011-2012); mobilized to Operation Iraqi Freedom, Al Anbar, Province, Iraq as the only Jewish chaplain for the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (2008-2009); ministered to military and civilian personnel at the Pentagon in Arlington, VA, after the September 11 attacks; and during Desert Storm with the First Marine Expeditionary Force and the only Jewish chaplain for Marines and Navy in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait (1991).
​Rabbi Cutler served as a hospice chaplain for Abramson Center for Jewish Life. He is an adjunct professor teaching Judaic Studies at Gratz College in Melrose Park, PA, Philosophy and Religion at Philadelphia University in Philadelphia, PA, and Counseling Psychology (graduate program) at Holy Family University in Philadelphia, PA.
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He is a recipient of various awards, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), and the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4 awards).
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He is married to Thierry Steenberghs and has a son (Thomas), daughter in law (Crystal), a granddaughter (Ariel), and a step-son (Cedric).
Ali Katz, Religious School Director
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Ali Katz, our Religious School Director, has always lived in the Philadelphia area and fell in love with Chester County while in college. She holds a Bachelor's degree in elementary education from West Chester University and a Graduate Gemology degree from the Gemological Institute of America.
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She has taught all grades of religious school for more than twenty-five years, including two years here at Beth Israel. Prior to joining the Beth Israel community, Ali worked in local public schools as a substitute teacher in both special education and traditional classrooms.
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Ali and her husband, Jeffrey, live in Malvern with their son, Danny. The Katz family is looking forward to getting to know everyone at Beth Israel and becoming a part of this wonderful community.