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

Welcome to KESHER ISRAEL CONGREGATION

Welcome to the Kesher Israel Congregation’s home page! 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. The 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. After 100 years, Kesher Israel continues to hold true to these principles and thrives as an Orthodox synagogue.

Led by Rabbi Chaim E. Schertz, a nationally renowned Talmudic scholar with a doctorate in philosophy, Kesher Israel supports a modern orthodox community of about 250 families and individuals from many places and backgrounds.  Recently celebrating its 100th anniversary , the shul continues to maintain daily minyanim , Chevra Kadisha services, chavrusah learning, Scholar-in-Residence programs, Summer Kollel, and an NCSY chapter and 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 RABBINIC FELLOW, Rabbi Akiva Males.
Rabbi Males grew up in Cleveland, Ohio.  He attended the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland and the Wisconsin Institute of Torah Study.  He received his Rabbinical Ordination (Semicha) at the Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim of Queens, NY.  He holds a B.S. from Nyack College and a Certificate in Advanced Rabbinics and Synagogue Management (Touro College).  During the academic year 2006-2007 Rabbi Males served as a Judaic studies instructor at the Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns in Lawrence, NY. He and his wife Layala are excited to be part of the Kesher Israel Family.

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.