Staff

Rabbi Ben Kean became the spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob in the summer of 2021. He also teaches limmudei kodesh (Jewish studies) at the Bet Shraga Hebrew Academy of the Capital District. He is a member of the Rabbinical Council America (RCA) and of the Capital District Board of Rabbis and Cantors.

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. 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