Appoint a teacher for yourself; acquire a friend for yourself; and judge everyone favorably. ~ Pirkei Avos

Welcome to KESHER ISRAEL CONGREGATION

Here you will find all you need to know about the Orthodox Jewish Community of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and the vital role Kesher Israel plays in it. Kesher Israel Congregation is also a proud Member of The Orthodox Union.

Kesher Israel Congregation was founded in 1902 by men and women who were determined to create a religious presence in Harrisburg that focused on the study of Torah, acts of loving kindness and, foremost, a belief in the G-d of Israel.  Kesher Israel continues to hold true to these principles and thrives as an Orthodox synagogue. Now in its’ 106th year , the shul continues to maintain daily minyanim , Chevra Kadisha services, chavrusah learning, Scholar-in-Residence programs, Summer Kollel, and an NCSY chapter along with other youth programming. 
Expanding and thriving past its centennial year, Kesher Israel Congregation continues to flourish as a light of Torah learning and Jewish tradition in Central Pennsylvania.

Meet our RABBI

After receiving his semicha from Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim (Rabbinical Seminary of America) in Queens, NY, Rabbi Akiva Males first taught at the Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway in Long Island, NY. In 2007, Rabbi Males and his wife Layala moved to Harrisburg, PA to join Kesher Israel Congregation as its Rabbinic Fellow. Upon the senior rabbi’s retirement, in November of 2008, Rabbi Males assumed all rabbinic responsibilities at Kesher Israel. Since becoming a part of Kesher Israel, Rabbi Males has worked hard to create a wide array of exciting synagogue programs, Torah study opportunities, and to strengthen Jewish communal life in Harrisburg, PA.

In addition, Rabbi Chaim E. Schertz who was our leader for the past 25 years still resides in Harrisburg.  He is a nationally renowned Talmudic scholar with a doctorate in philosophy.

Cantor Seymour E. Rockoff,received his rabbinical and cantorial training at
Yeshiva University, where he received a M.A. in Music. After serving as a
chaplain with the U.S. Army, Cantor Rockoff served as a Cantor for the famous
Yeshurun Synagogue in Jerusalem. He has a special interest in modern Jewish
music and has delighted audiences around the world with his recordings.
Cantor Rockoff�s style of blending traditional and modern Jewish
melodies has made services at Kesher Israel a beautiful
and joyous experience. He and his
wife Dina have two children. 

Listen to OU Radio

Around the Dining Room Table
Steve Savitsky's discusses issues regarding Jewish Faith.
The Lone Soldier
A Jew in the Modern World: Understanding Opportunities
Aliyah: It Shouldn’t Be This Good

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Torah Sessions with Rachel Lerner
Emotional and psychological themes.
A Woman of Valour: Part II
A Woman of Valour: Part I
The Passion of Sinai: Part III

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