Our Clergy
Rabbi Gregory S. Marx, Senior Rabbi -- 215-646-5806 x222
Rabbi Marx has been spiritual leader at Congregation Beth Or since 1989. Previously he was the Associate Rabbi at Temple Beth El in Boca Raton, Florida.
Committed to Jewish and interfaith education, he is the proud past President of the Wissahickon Faith Community Association, an interfaith organization supporting clergy from various faiths. He is a devoted liberal Zionist, celebrating the return of our people to our ancestral homeland after thousands of years of exile. He expresses that dedication in service to the State of Israel, having led numerous congregational and communal missions to Israel as well as serving as the Past Chair of the Board of Directors of the National Rabbinic Cabinet of State of Israel Bonds. He is proud member of the New York Board of Rabbis, while serving the rabbinic community locally as the co-President of the Philadelphia Board of Rabbis. His local communal engagement includes the Board of Directors of the Abington Hospital Foundation Board, Abramson Senior Care, and the Anti-Defamation League of Philadelphia.
Rabbi Marx has published in several journals, periodicals and papers. Ordained at Hebrew Union College in 1984, and holding a BA from Oberlin College and an M.H.L. and D.D. from Hebrew Union College, he teaches extensively and has worked to instill pride in Jewish traditions for over 37 of Rabbinic service and leadership.
Rabbi Marx and his wife, Laurie have four children, Daniel, (married to Tyi), Joe & Ricca. He is the proud grandfather of Lilah.
Rabbi Marx's favorite sermons, messages, thoughts and articles.
Rabbi Jason Bonder, Associate Rabbi -- 215-646-5806 x219
Rabbi Bonder joined Congregation Beth Or as Associate Rabbi in June 2018. He previously served as the Assistant Rabbi/Educator at Temple Emanuel of Tempe, in Tempe, Arizona. Rabbi Bonder's move to Beth Or was a homecoming to the east coast, as he graduated from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Wyncote, PA, and earned his Master's Degree from the Graduate School of the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City and his Bachelor's Degree, Magna Cum Laude, from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA. Rabbi Bonder also worked as a teacher at Gratz College and at Congregation Beth Am Israel in Penn Valley, PA.
Rabbi Bonder is married to Rina Lebovitz, and they have two young children, Mark and Sophie.
Rabbi Bonder's favorite sermons, messages, thoughts and articles.
Rabbi Melissa Carp Lefkowitz, Assistant Rabbi -- 215-646-5806 ext. 210
Rabbi Lefkowitz completed her rabbinic ordination at Hebrew Union College in Los Angeles in May 2023, with a certificate from the Zelikow School of Nonprofit Management. During her time in Los Angeles, Rabbi Lefkowitz had the great privilege of working with many communities across California, including San Luis Obispo, Ridgecrest, Calabasa, Pacific Palisades and Los Angeles. Additionally, Rabbi Lefkowitz spent her first year of rabbinical school interning for Women of the Wall and her final year of school interning at Temple Beth Shalom in Austin, Texas.
Rabbi Lefkowitz originally hails from Newton, MA. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Religious Studies from Bates College. Upon graduating Bates, she spent two years working at Temple Israel of Boston assisting with their 20s and 30s programming.
Rabbi Lefkowitz is married to Rabbi Kevin Lefkowitz and they are thrilled to be growing their family in late October.
Rabbi Lefkowitz's favorite sermons, messages, thoughts and articles.
Cantor Jaime Murley -- 215-646-5806 ext. 218
Cantor Jaime Murley joined the Beth Or clergy team in 2012. She started her career at Beth Or working alongside Cantor David Green as adjunct cantor, and is honored to follow in his footsteps as the congregation’s cantor, supporting the congregation’s musical and spiritual needs. Developing an early love for music of all kinds, Cantor Murley received a Masters in Percussion Performance in 2000, and pursued a career as a classical percussionist, where she played in symphony orchestras both locally and internationally. In 2002, she discovered the beauties of Jewish music and decided to switch gears. In May of 2009, she graduated Gratz College with a Masters of Arts in Cantorial Studies and Jewish Music while serving as cantorial intern at Congregation Rodeph Shalom in Philadelphia throughout her schooling. Upon her graduation, Jaime served as cantor of the synagogue through the spring of 2012, whereupon she came to Beth Or and the rest is history! Cantor Murley loves helping people connect to Judaism through song and prayer, whether be in one of the Congregation’s choirs, musical groups, or through worship. She is thrilled to work alongside the amazing staff and talented clergy team at Congregation Beth Or.
Cantor Murley is married to Luke Murley and they reside in Wallingford, Pa with their three children, Cooper, Noa and Darwin.
Cantor David Green, Cantor Emeritus
Cantor David Green served as Beth Or's Cantor from July 1995 until his retirement in June 2022. His magnificent, bellowing baritone voice was equaled by his kind, compassionate personality, which made him beloved by congregants across the generations, including the thousands of B'nai Mitzvah children and adults he tutored throughout his tenure. His experience spanned worship, life cycle events, pastoral care, support groups, music and education.
Clergy Support: Life’s Special Occasions and Challenges
Do you have an immediate pastoral need? Contact Rabbi Marx by calling the main office number, 215-646-5806, and following the voice prompts to reach him directly.
Life Cycle Events
Please let us know about any life cycle events in your family. Our clergy would like to provide support whether it is a joyous occasion such as a wedding or birth, or a time of sorrow such as the loss of a loved one. Contact Barbara Murtha, 215-646-5806 x220.
Compassion Visits by Our Clergy
Please notify the clergy when you or a family member is in the hospital, a nursing home or with home-care or hospice. We want to be there with you because we are here for you. Due to hospital privacy policies, we are unable to inquire about congregants. Please call the clergy, 215-646-5806, to let us know when we may visit you or your loved one.
Counseling/Support Groups
If you or someone you know is struggling with a challenging life moment or transition, support is available. Contact Rabbi Marx if you have an immediate need or concern.
Beth Or has an active Mental Health Task Force, led by congregant Judith Kurtis, LCSW, CCTP. The task force is comprised of experienced licensed health professionals with different backgrounds including clinical social work, psychology, psychiatry, and pediatrics. Currently, a Bereavement Support Group meets via Zoom once a month and may be joined at any time. Other support groups are formed as the need arises. Mental Health programs are also coordinated by the task force in conjunction with other Beth Or groups throughout the year.
Contact Judy Kurtis, if you would like additional information about participating in support groups or if you are a licensed mental health specialist who would like to join the Mental Health Task Force.
