Rabbi Lance J. Sussman
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A Rabbi. A Storyteller. A Historian. A Progressive Thinker.
Lance J. Sussman has taken on many roles as a thought-leader in the Jewish community. In his 40+ years as a rabbi, Sussman’s insights and expertise have brought a fresh perspective on the issues of the American Jewish experience. Throughout his career, Sussman has been an active scholar, writer, educator, and public speaker.
As Senior Rabbi at Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel in Elkins Park, PA, for more than 20 years, Sussman left his mark on the synagogue and its community that will be woven through its history for decades to come. Now that he has retired as a pulpit rabbi, Sussman has set his sights on a new and expanding role in the Jewish community.
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It's Time For The Rabbi’s Second Act.
Although he will no longer be speaking regularly from the synagogue pulpit, Rabbi Emeritus Sussman will continue to share his message, thoughts and opinions with a new and expanded audience as a public speaker and Jewish educator.
Known for his engaging and thought-provoking sermons and lectures, Rabbi Sussman is excited to “take the show on the road” where he can interact with audiences ranging from academia and business to those interested in just learning more about the many sides of Judaism—from the Torah to bagels and lox.
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A Difference-Maker In The Community, The Clergy and The Country.
Many of the rabbi’s public speaking topics arise from his years of social action and community work including interfaith outreach, tackling food insecurity and developing housing programs for the Jewish elderly. He’s been noted locally for his work promoting Jewish-Muslim dialogue and founded the Cheltenham Area Multifaith Council.
The depth and breadth of the rabbi’s work has led him to using the latest technology to create Visual Prayer, where entire religious services combine art and video to highlight the traditions of a centuries-old religion.
Rabbi Sussman gained his national reputation as an influencer in the Reform Jewish community through his published works, awards and media appearances that have taken him from the lecture hall to the floor of the United States Congress.
As a historian of the American Jewish experience, Rabbi Sussman speaks and writes on a wide range of social, historic and religious topics from the history of Art in Judaism to Jews and the American Civil War to a Southerner’s View on the Holocaust. He has served as a visiting professor, adjunct professor, or lecturer at Princeton University, Temple University, Hunter College, Rutgers University, and Gratz College.
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Many Styles. Many Callings.
Often called the “Preacher Teacher,” Rabbi Sussman speaks from a place of scholarly knowledge but also understands the power that humor and light-heartedness can have on his audiences. Always approachable, he’s as comfortable addressing an audience of esteemed rabbis or teaching a college seminar as he is teaching his pre-school class lessons from the Torah using a curriculum he developed that utilizes puppets and games to educate youngsters.
Some of his most popular and well-received talks include:
To Bigotry No Sanction: Jews, Law and the American Revolution (New!)
By Dawn’s Early Light: Jewish Culture in Early America
How Lox Became Jewish
Oy, Oy, Oy and a Bottle of Rum: Jews and Piracy
Walk Softly and Carry a Big Shtick: Jews and Teddy Roosevelt
Was Abraham the First Jew? The Origins of the Jewish People
Who Wrote the Bible? What Scholars are Saying Today
God: A Biography
Chagall: Life and Art
Escape from Bamberg: How My Family Fled Nazi Germany
