By Leslie Feldman
After a journey spanning continents and cultures, Congregation Brothers of Israel in Newtown’s new rabbi Cody Bahir, PhD., brings warmth, wisdom and a world of experience to the congregation.
If you ask Bahir to describe his Jewish journey, he’ll tell you it’s been anything but conventional. From growing up in the backwoods of Kentucky to walking the ancient streets of Jerusalem’s Old City — and even spending time in the rainforests of Taiwan — his path has been marked by curiosity, growth and an unwavering search for connection.
That journey has now brought him to Bucks County, where he steps into a new role as the spiritual leader of CBOI.
Raised in Kentucky by a Christian mother and a Jewish father, at just seven years of age he walked into his first Shabbat service. He immersed himself in Hasidic teachings and Kabbalah, studied in yeshivas across the U.S. and Israel and even earned a Ph.D. in Buddhist Studies. His global journey took him to Taiwan, where he lived among Buddhist monks, fell in love with Sonia — his future wife and spiritual partner — and eventually embraced his calling as a rabbi.
“Growing up in an interfaith family made me painfully aware of how unwelcoming Jewish spaces can be to those of us who don’t fit the mold,” said Bahir. “Too often, people’s Jewish journeys include pain — stories of exclusion or judgment.”
During his time in Taiwan, most Jews were unaffiliated and many had non-Jewish partners. Bahir made it a priority that everyone felt celebrated. “Non-Jewish spouses would sometimes cry during services, not from discomfort, but literal tears of joy — from feeling so welcomed and seen,” he added.
While he can’t go back in time and erase the exclusion his own mother experienced when he began his Jewish journey, he hopes to ensure others don’t face that same pain.
“The green Magen David pendant I wear was hers, bought during a visit to me in Tzfat. Her support, and the way she was sidelined, will forever guide me as a rabbi.”
Roz Zucker, president of Congregation Brothers of Israel, said Bahir brings an extraordinary personal story, combining the joy of Chabad with a Conservative philosophy, and an extraordinary energy and deep spiritual insight. “We are thrilled to welcome him and Sonia to our community. His leadership will inspire people of all ages and backgrounds.”
As for returning to the U.S., Bahir felt a calling. He believes that the divisions within the Jewish community and the alarming rise in antisemitism since Oct. 7 have made it clear that there’s crucial work to be done. “I hope I can help bring people closer to one another, closer to God and engage in meaningful tikkun olam at this critical moment.”
Every synagogue is different, but what Bahir said sets CBOI apart is its deep connection to the broader community, not just in Bucks County, but across the river in New Jersey too. And with its roots going back to 1883, CBOI carries a rich legacy that gives this role a special sense of responsibility and opportunity.
“My goal is to help people access and connect with Judaism in a way that resonates with their background and identity, while remaining grounded in halachah. At CBOI, I strive to create a space where every Jewish, Jew-ish, Jewish-adjacent, Jewish-relative or Jew-curious person feels embraced,” he added.
Bahir has been planning his responsibilities for months. He is excited about collaborating with the congregation’s new chazzan and is committed to empowering laypeople to take active roles in prayer, not just at CBOI, but globally. As an aside, Bahir is currently directing a shaliach tzibur training program for the World Union for Progressive Judaism, teaching lay leaders from places like Eastern Europe, Mumbai, China, Korea, Taiwan and New Zealand how to lead services and create meaningful, grassroots Jewish prayer communities. That same spirit of shared ownership and engagement is what he hopes to foster right here.
Joan Hersch, educational director and wife of the late Rabbi Emeritus Howard Hersch, added, “This is the moment we’ve been waiting for. Rabbi Bahir is already bringing excitement and fresh ideas that will reignite our community and engage the next generation. My husband would be so proud.”
Of all the places Bahir has lived and learned, there’s something deeply grounding about being at CBOI. “Here, Jewishness isn’t just an identity; it’s something people actively do. That spirit made me excited to join. Whether you attend services once a year, once a week or haven’t been to services ever, there is joy waiting for you here. CBOI is more than a synagogue; it’s a family. I’m honored to be part of it.”
Leslie Feldman is a freelance writer.
