Rabbi Ben Kean
Rabbi Ben Kean became the spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob in the summer of 2021. Rabbi Kean believes the responsibility of the rabbi in the 21st century is embodied by the teaching of Hillel in Pirkei Avot (1:12) — "Be of the students of Aaron: Loving peace and pursuing peace, loving people and bringing them closer to Torah" — to foster a community in which everyone feels welcome and valued, and can grow in their connection to G-d, Torah, and Jewish tradition in their own way.
Prior to his tenure at CBAJ, Rabbi Kean served for two years as rabbinic intern at the Roslyn Synagogue in Roslyn, NY. Rabbi Kean earned his Bachelor's degree in Jewish Studies with a minor in Psychology from Yeshiva University and Rabbinical ordination from Yeshiva University's Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary. Before beginning his studies at Yeshiva University, Rabbi Kean learned at Yeshivat Yesodei HaTorah in Bet Shemesh, Israel. He is also pursuing Master's degrees in Jewish Studies and Jewish Education and Administration. Rabbi Kean was raised in Bethesda, Maryland.
Rabbi Kean is married to Miriam (Kramer), a native of Brookline, MA. She holds a Master's degree in Accounting from Yeshiva University's Sy Syms School of Business and works as an accountant in a local accounting firm. Rabbi Kean and Miriam are excited to be part of the Albany community.
Please contact the rabbi's office at rabbi@cbaj.org or (518) 489-5819 ext. 5
Seanan Herrick - Office Manager
Seanan grew up just around the corner from CBAJ, and is happy to be back in her old neighborhood.
She has years of experience in office management and customer service, and also created and ran her own childcare center. Seanan lives in Delmar with her husband Daniel, and daughters Katelyn and Madelyn.
(518) 489-5819 ext. 3
seanan@cbaj.org
Beth Liotta - Program Coordinator
Beth comes to us with a very diverse background mainly in social work; having worked as a counselor in the fields of substance abuse and mental health for many years. She has worked mainly in the outpatient setting in a private clinic; St. Peter's Addiction Recovery Center; the Aids Council; Drug Court; Albany County Department of Mental Health; and Hospice Inn to mention a few places. She most recently was the front desk manager at Beverwyck Senior Living Community and has been known as a kind, open minded, compassionate and highly organized person both in her field as well as in her personal life.
Beth is from the Guilderland area and has two daughters, Jessie (37) and Sarah (36). She is involved in the art world and is a member of the Upstate Artists Guild. Also possesses floral designing skills from a "past life"/job!
Beth is excited to be coming on board to the CBAJ family and helping to coordinate and organize events/activities, etc. and hopes to engage and develop good working relationships and collaborations with all!
(518) 489-5819 x4