Rav Chaim Respes is a dedicated spiritual leader, deeply committed to the teachings and values of Judaism. With a passion for spreading knowledge and deepening understanding of Jewish traditions, Rav Respes has served as a central figure in various communities, inspiring individuals across generations.
The grandson of Rabbi Abel Respes z”l, Rav Respes’ Jewish journey began early. As a teenager, he was actively involved in United Synagogue Youth (USY), later serving as a USY Director for over a decade at several synagogues in the Philadelphia Metro Area. His time studying in Israel further enriched his connection to Torah, Israel, and the Jewish people, helping to shape his inclusive and thoughtful approach to spiritual leadership.
Rav Respes is known for his compassionate nature, active listening, and wise counsel. Whether guiding individuals in their personal faith journeys or facilitating community-wide programs, he is committed to making Judaism accessible, meaningful, and engaging for all. His dedication to fostering dialogue, promoting harmony, and building bridges among diverse communities remains a hallmark of his Rabbinic work.
In addition to his Rabbinic role, Rav Respes has had a distinguished career as an executive in Human Resources across both the private and public sectors. He brings a unique blend of organizational leadership, ethical insight, and people-centered values to every role he undertakes. A graduate of Temple University, Rav Respes holds degrees in Political Science, Criminal Justice, and Jewish Studies. He received his Semicha from RSI.
Rav Respes resides in Southern New Jersey. An avid sports enthusiast, he finds joy and fulfillment in coaching his son’s basketball teams, where he continues to instill the same values of teamwork, discipline, and compassion that define his work in the synagogue and beyond.
Rabbi Rubin joined Temple Beth Or in August 2011 as its spiritual leader and served until he retired in December 2024. Rabbi Rubin and his wife, Susan, remain members of our congregation.
Rabbi Rubin served congregations in Pennsylvania (Adath Israel, Merion Station and Congregation Beth T’fillah, Philadelphia) and previously in New Jersey (Temple Mekor Chayim, Linden and Congregation Agudath Israel, Caldwell). He has also been a Jewish community healthcare chaplain and a coordinator of kosher supervision. Through his congregational work and chaplaincy service, Rabbi Rubin has been involved in many interfaith activities and dialogue sessions.
Rabbi Rubin was ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City and has a MA in Rabbinics from JTS, EdM from Teachers College–Columbia University in New York City and a BA in Chemistry from Washington University in St. Louis.
Rabbi Rubin has served as the Vice President of the Rabbinical Assembly Mid-Atlantic Region and on the Executive Committee of the VAAD: Board of Rabbis of Greater Philadelphia. He is also a past President of the Rabbinical Assembly New Jersey Region and of the Union County (NJ) Board of Rabbis.
Rabbi Dr. Robert E. Fierstien was the spiritual leader of Temple Beth Or from June 1976 to July 2008. He was a Summa Cum Laude graduate of New York University and held an M.A., Rabbinical Ordination, and Doctorate from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. He was a published author, a past president of the Shore Area Board of Rabbis, and was chairman of the Centennial History Committee of Rabbinical Assembly. Rabbi Fierstien’s wife, Ruth, remains a beloved member of our community. May Rabbi Fierstien’s name be a blessing.
Cantor Haimowitz