Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun (KJ) will celebrate Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz’s first decade as KJ’s senior rabbi at this year’s Annual Dinner on Dec. 12.
For a decade, Steinmetz has helped shape the religious and communal life of the historic Orthodox synagogue in Manhattan. His leadership has served generations of congregants, from longtime members whose families have called KJ home for decades to young professionals and families joining the community for the first time.
Founded in 1872, Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun has served the Jewish community on Manhattan’s Upper East Side for more than 150 years. Its community includes more than 1,200 member families and offers a broad range of religious, educational and social programming for Jews of all ages and backgrounds.
Throughout his tenure, Steinmetz has helped guide the congregation as it builds upon its history while responding to the needs of contemporary Jewish life. Through his teaching, pastoral guidance and personal relationships, he has helped foster a community rooted in Torah and a shared sense of responsibility for one another. An advocate for Jews in New York City and beyond, Steinmetz also celebrated the publication of his third book, A Proud Jew, earlier this year.
The Dec. 12 celebration will bring together the community Steinmetz has helped cultivate. Rather than a traditional formal dinner, the evening will feature a buffet, live music, an open bar, games and raffles. With no assigned seating, guests will have opportunities to reconnect with old friends, meet new people and celebrate together. Festive attire is encouraged.
The evening will also serve as a celebration of KJ itself: the friendships, learning, traditions and acts of kindness that bring a congregation together and sustain it across generations.
Whether they have belonged to KJ for decades or only recently joined the community, congregants and friends are invited to take part in the celebration and look ahead to the years to come.
KJ invites the broader community to join in honoring Steinmetz on Saturday night, Dec. 12, at the Ramaz Upper School, 60 E. 78th St. Doors open at 8 p.m.
To register, reserve a place or pay tribute to Steinmetz regardless of attendance, visit: ckj.org/annualdinner5787. For questions, contact: annualdinner@ckj.org.
