Clergy

RABBI EMERITUs

Since his arrival at B’nai Israel in 1989, Rabbi Jonathan Schnitzer has clearly communicated the ideals of Judaism through word and deed. Under his leadership, B’nai Israel dramatically expanded both its programmatic scope and physical facility and yet maintained its warm, friendly and inclusive style.

Rabbi Schnitzer received a B.A. degree from Columbia College and then studied at the Jewish Theological Seminary where he received his Master’s Degree and was ordained in 1974. In 2001 the Seminary awarded him an honorary Doctor of Divinity.

Rabbi Schnitzer has been very active on the local and national Jewish scene. He is a past Chair of the Rabbinic Cabinet of the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) and a past president of the Washington Board of Rabbis. He has served on the Boards of the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, Jewish Social Service Agency, the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School and the Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington.

Earlier in his career, while at B‘nai Abraham Synagogue in Easton, Pennsylvania, Rabbi Schnitzer taught in the Department of Religion at Lafayette College and served as President of ProJeCt of Easton  (an anti-poverty interfaith social service agency) and Family Counseling Service of Northampton County.

A voracious reader, avid traveler and biking enthusiast, Rabbi Schnitzer also has a special passion for Israel. He and his wife, Beverly, were among recipients of the Israel 67 Award from Israel Bonds in 2015.

Rabbi Schnitzer and his wife, Beverly, a long-time teacher and community volunteer, are the parents of two children.  Dr. Shira Schnitzer is a leader in strategic philanthropy in the UK and is married to Graeme Cohen.  David Schnitzer, an attorney in Washington  D.C. is married to Claire Bergeron.  Their sons, Benjamin Noah Bergeron Schnitzer and Nathan (Nate) Adam Bergeron Schnitzer, represent the newest generation of the family.

Click here for a list of selected sermons given by Rabbi Schnitzer.