Rabbi Mark Robbins, In His Own Words:

“I am a graduate of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America and have a masters degree from the seminary's Davidson School of Education, as well as a B.A. with honors in History from Harvard University.

“Prior to coming to Ohev Shalom in 2002, I served as Jewish chaplain and campus rabbi at Georgetown University. In that position, I ministered to undergraduate and graduate populations on three different campuses. I taught academic and non-credit courses on comparative religions, basic Judaism, and bio-ethics. Just prior to the 2nd Intifada in 2000, I led, along with a minister and imam, a religious pilgrimage to Israel of 25 Jewish, Christian and Muslim students. I also led several Jewish student trips to Germany.

“I remain very active in community relations both on the Jewish and interfaith front, and am currently serving a two-year term as chair of the Swarthmore-Wallingford Interfaith Ministerium.

“My vision for community is shaped by own wonderful experience of community as a child. I attended Jewish day school; walked to a congregation 4 blocks away; spent Shabbat mornings praying with my mom, dad and sisters (while tying my dad’s tallit fringes, of course!!); and spent summers at Camp Yavneh in New Hampshire. I loved Holiday times, when family would overwhelm my home.

“I love Jewish life, and want my congregants to feel the same. Everyone should leave our premises having had a positive Jewish experience, one – or many – that keep their Jewish identities in consistent, positive transformation. It is our responsibility as Congregation Ohev Shalom to create the experiences that make our congregants want to walk in the door and reach out their hands in partnership, for their own growth and the benefit of the community as a whole.

“My wife Amy, a teacher and reading specialist, and I are the proud parents of Adina, 5 years, and Caleb, 3 years. My family is priority #1, and I cherish the moments spent with my young family like none other.

I can be reached by calling the synagogue office at 610.874.1465, or via e-mail. I would be thrilled to speak to you more about our synagogue.”

Writings by Rabbi Robbins