How Welcoming Converts to Judaism Enriches Community – Seekers of Meaning 3/6/2026
On this week’s episode of the Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast, Rabbi Address interviews Rabbi Jon Cutler about his new project, the New Jew Podcast. They discuss the changing landscape of Judaism, the importance of welcoming non-Jews into the community, and the challenges faced by the Jewish community today, including rising antisemitism and the need for innovative approaches to engagement and education. The conversation emphasizes the significance of storytelling in understanding the Jewish experience and the potential for converts to enrich the community.
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About the Guest
Rabbi Jon Cutler
Rabbi Jon Cutler, a native of Philadelphia, earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts from Temple University in Religious Studies. He earned a Master of Hebrew Letters and received his ordination as a Rabbi from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Wyncote, PA. He then earned his Doctor of Ministry (Counseling) from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York.
On September 1st, 2015, Rabbi Cutler become the rabbi of Beth Israel Congregation of Chester County and continues to serve the members of Beth Israel.
Rabbi Cutler’s extensive pulpit experience includes serving four congregations in his civilian career – Congregation Bet Tikva, Flemington, NJ (1993-1999); Congregation Tiferes B’nai Israel, Warrington, PA (1999-2007); Darkaynu, Warrington, PA (2009-2015); and an interim rabbi at Congregation Beth Hatikva (JRF) in Summit, NJ (2013-2014).
Rabbi Cutler retired (2017) as a Captain in the U.S. Navy Reserves after serving 32 years. He served on active duty for five years – Philippines, Camp Lejeune, NC and Japan.
As a reservist, his last assignment was Deputy Chaplain for the US Marine Corps (2015-2017) at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. He served as the Force Chaplain for Naval Sea Systems Command and as Deputy Force Chaplain, Commander Navy Installations Command in Washington, DC (2013-2015) and Deputy Command Chaplain for the US 6th Fleet, U.S. Forces Europe and Africa (2012-2013).
Rabbi Cutler served as a hospice chaplain for Abramson Center for Jewish Life. He is an adjunct professor teaching Judaic Studies at Gratz College in Melrose Park, PA, Philosophy and Religion at Philadelphia University in Philadelphia, PA, and Counseling Psychology (graduate program) at Holy Family University in Philadelphia, PA.
He is married to Thierry Steenberghs and has a son (Thomas), daughter in law (Crystal), a granddaughter (Ariel), and a step-son (Cedric).
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