Meet the Rabbi

Rabbi Eric Cytryn is the spiritual leader of Beth El Temple. A graduate of the Joint Program of the Jewish Theological Seminary and Columbia University, Rabbi Cytryn holds Bachelor degrees in Bible and Ancient Near Eastern Languages and Cultures and a Master’s degree in Judaica. He was ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary in 1981, and in 2007 received an Honorary Doctorate in Divinity from the Seminary.

Rabbi Cytryn served congregations in New Orleans and St. Louis before coming to Harrisburg in 2003. Throughout his congregational work spanning over 25 years, Rabbi Cytryn has helped to create innovative programs in Family Education and Spirituality. A native of Westbury, New York, Rabbi Cytryn is married to Amy, a special education teacher.

He is the father of two grown children with careers in Jewish education and communal service. Rabbi Cytryn is a avid fan of the "Grateful Dead." His guitar playing enhances our Friday night worship.