Rabbi Emeritus Dr. Kenneth A. Emert
After 22 years as the senior rabbi at Temple Beth Rishon, Dr. Rabbi Kenneth A. Emert retired in June, 2017 to follow other pursuits.
Our hearts were saddened to see Rabbi Emert leave his post but we celebrated this milestone with him, and continue to wish him much luck in the future. Rabbi Emert continues to stay engaged with TBR and frequently lends us his considerable support.
Rabbi Dr. Kenneth A. Emert brought an extensive educational background to our community. After receiving his undergraduate degree in Hebrew Language and Literature from Queens College, Flushing, New York, Rabbi Emert earned a Master of Arts degree in Hebrew literature from Hebrew Union College where he was also ordained in 1977. In 1982, Rabbi Emert received a Master of Social Work from Yeshiva University and in 1991 earned a Doctor of Ministry degree in Jewish-Christian Studies from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary.
Having led congregations in Smithtown, New York, Rockford, Illinois and Wichita, Kansas, Rabbi Emert served as the senior rabbi at Beth Rishon in Wyckoff, NJ for over 20 years. He is a Senior Rabbinic Fellow of the Hartman Institute in Jerusalem.
In addition to his spiritual leadership, Rabbi Emert has also lectured and taught courses at universities and colleges, led Jewish educational workshops and served as religious school principal. He has served as president of the Wyckoff Clergy Association and continues to actively pursue interfaith dialogue.
Rabbi Emert is a member of both the Central Conference of American Rabbis and The Rabbinical Assembly. He has received honorary doctorates from both the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion and from The Jewish Theological Seminary of America.
Rabbi Emert continues to officiate lifecycle events while living in Palm Springs, California. Dr. Emert currently serves as Rabbi of Sun City Jewish Services, in Palm Desert.
For more information, visit his website.
