About Us 

Our History

Temple B'nai Israel serves the Jewish population of Maryland's Mid-Eastern Shore counties: Kent, Queen Anne's, Caroline, Talbot and Dorchester. During the war years of the 40s, friends from Easton, Cambridge, Chestertown, and other Mid-Shore towns of Maryland got together and formed the Jewish Sisterhood of the Eastern Shore to send personal supplies to our servicemen overseas.

They were also involved with other social activities and fundraising. This was an association that eventually led to the building of a synagogue and the creation of Temple B'nai Israel of Easton, Maryland. Money for the synagogue came from members of the community at large, merchants, and the sisterhood. Temple B'nai Israel's building was dedicated in September 1951; the congregation had approximately 50 members.

Now an intimate community with a full-time Rabbi, the Temple has over 200 members, many of whom call the Eastern Shore their second home, while they still live in Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, and other nearby venues. Others have retired here and enjoy the life-style afforded by this unique area. Still others are pursuing careers and raising their families here. Affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism since 2006, Temple B'nai Israel offers religious services designed to meet the diverse needs of its members who come from both the Reform and Conservative Jewish traditions. All services are egalitarian with women as full participants, and non-Jewish family members are welcome on the Bimah.

Our Clergy

Rabbi Peter E. Hyman, MAHL, DD, is the spiritual leader of Temple B'nai Israel. A native of Connecticut, Rabbi Hyman came to Easton after serving congregations in Pennsylvania, Texas and Florida. Rabbi Hyman graduated from the Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1977 and was ordained in 1980. In 2005, he received an honorary Doctor of Divinity from the Hebrew Union College. Involved with all aspects of synagogue life and community relations, Rabbi Hyman has a passion for teaching, a deep love of Torah and a commitment to share the wisdom and beauty of Judaism with all those he encounters. Rabbi Hyman has received many awards from religious and community groups, including the Union for Reform Judaism's Belin Award for Outreach Program Excellence, and the Silver Buffalo Distinguished Service Award from the Boy Scouts of America.

Steven Hack, Temple B'nai Israel is fortunate to have Steven Hack, a member of the congregation, serve as lay cantor. Dedicated, talented and committed, Steven adds depth and beauty to our worship experiences. Ever the leader, Cantor Hack was instrumental in forming and leading the Temple B'nai Israel choir.

Rabbi Harold S. White, Rabbi Emeritus, served the congregation for seven years as part-time rabbi. Rabbi White was the Senior Jewish Chaplain at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. He received his rabbinical ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America.

Board Members

President: Elaine Friedman

Vice President: Frank Menditch

Secretary: Annie Kruger

Treasurer: Barry Koh

Board Chair: Pat Strongin

Board Vice Chair: Barbara Smilow

Board Directors:
Norman Bell
Gail Benjamin
Steve Gervis
Sandra Hack
Eugene Katz
Larry Lewin
Loretta Quigley
Barbara Viniar
Victoria Zuckerman
Louis Berman, past President (non-voting)

Temple B'nai Israel Board meetings are held once a month. Unless the meeting is in executive session, it is open to members to observe. Meetings are usually scheduled on the third Sunday of the month at 10:00 a.m. in the Board Room of the Memorial Hospital at Easton. If you are interested in attending a meeting, please check the calendar to verify the date of the meeting.

Staff and Committees