First Hebrew Congregation of Peekskill (FHC) will formally install Rabbi Jonah T. Geffen as its congregational rabbi on Sunday, May 17 in a ceremony beginning at 11:00 AM. The installation is the culmination of a weekend of community celebration, beginning Friday, May 15, and marks a significant moment for one of the Hudson Valley’s historic Jewish communities.
Rabbi Geffen joined FHC in July 2025, bringing more than a decade of rabbinical experience spanning congregational life, campus ministry, Jewish education, and national advocacy. Ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary in 2013, he has served communities at Congregation B’nai Jeshurun and Shaare Zedek in New York City, served as National Rabbinic Director at J Street, and as campus rabbi at Hunter College Hillel. He holds a Master’s in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University and a Bachelor’s degree in History and Jewish Studies from Indiana University. His writing has appeared in the Washington Post, Haaretz, and JTA.
“We’ve found in Rabbi Geffen someone who brings both deep learning and genuine warmth to this community,” said Shelley Kessler, President of FHC. “This installation is a celebration of the relationship we’ve already begun to build together.”
Schedule of Events
Friday, May 15 at 6:00 PM: Shabbat dinner with live music by John Hahn and The Music Box Trio, followed by a special Friday evening service. Dinner is $50 per person. RSVP required by May 1.
Saturday, May 16 at 10:00 AM: Shabbat morning service followed by a festive Kiddush luncheon featuring an “Ask the Rabbis” conversation. RSVP required by May 1.
Sunday, May 17 at 10:30 AM: Doors open at 10:30 AM. The formal installation ceremony begins at 11:00 AM, followed by a celebratory brunch. $18 donation per person. RSVP required by May 1.
The installation weekend is open to the entire community, including neighbors, interfaith colleagues, and friends of the congregation. All are welcome.
First Hebrew Congregation of Peekskill is a Conservative Jewish congregation serving the greater Peekskill area and the Hudson Valley. Founded in 1896, FHC has been a center of Jewish life in Peekskill for 130 years.
First Hebrew Congregation of Peekskill is located at 1821 Main Street, Peekskill, NY.
For more information or to RSVP, contact fhc@firsthebrew.org or call 914-739-0500.
