Professional Staff
Director of Liturgy & Learning
Rabbi Benjamin Summers
(he/him)
Reb Beni Summers grew up in the coastal Jewish community of the North Shore of Boston, where his journey into Jewish life was shaped by deep-rooted tradition and a spirit of pluralism. He studied history during his undergraduate years at Binghamton University, drawn to the big questions of how we tell stories of our ancestors and why that matters. His path ultimately led him to rabbinical school at Hebrew College, where he cultivated a love of Torah, mysticism, and neo-Hasidism.
Reb Beni brings a soulful and creative approach to Jewish life. He weaves together traditional learning with musicality, meditation, and holds an abiding interest in cultivating alternative approaches to living a thick and rich Jewish life. As a passionate student of Hasidic texts and contemplative practice, he seeks to open doorways into the inner world of the spirit, helping others find connection, clarity, and healing. His professional career in the Jewish world spans over a decade across denominational lines, affording him a broad perspective on the treasures and troubles each path has to offer.
Reb Beni has spent extended time in Israel; studying, living, and exploring its landscapes and communities. Whether guiding prayer, teaching Torah, or facilitating moments of reflection, he strives to bring a joyful and open-hearted energy to everything he does.
Outside of his rabbinic work, Reb Beni is an avid soccer fan, a builder of singing communities, and a champion of Shabbat board games. He loves live music of all kinds, spending time in flotation pods, listening to podcasts and debates, and thrives in nature with a pair of binoculars and a bird book. He finds deep joy in gathering with friends and family, sharing meals, and building a warm Jewish home with his fiancée Pam.
He is honored and excited to be joining Kane Street at such an exciting time in its illustrious history, and looks forward to learning, growing, and celebrating with this sacred community.