Rabbi Jon Cutler, a native of Philadelphia, is the rabbi of Beth Israel Congregation of Chester
County, PA. He 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.
His 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 as 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 for 32 years. He
served on active duty for five years – Philippines, Camp Lejeune, NC, and Japan. During Desert
Storm with the First Marine Expeditionary Force and the only Jewish chaplain for Marines and
Navy in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait (1991). 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). In addition, he was mobilized to East Africa,
Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa as the Force Chaplain and Director of Religious
Affairs (2011-2012); mobilized to Operation Iraqi Freedom, Al Anbar, Province, Iraq as the only
Jewish chaplain for the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (2008-2009); and ministered to military and
civilian personnel at the Pentagon in Arlington, VA, after the September 11 attacks. Rabbi Cutler
is a recipient of various awards, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious
Service Medal (two awards), and the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards).
He 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.
Rabbi Cutler is married to Thierry Steenberghs and has a son (Thomas), daughter-in-law
(Crystal), a granddaughter (Ariel), and a stepson (Cedric).