Rabbi Joel Levenson and Leora Cohen moved to Long Island in 2011 and promptly enrolled their eldest daughter, Shir, in kindergarten at the Schechter School of Long Island. Today, their three children—Shir, Sam, and Gideon—are thriving in 11th, 10th, and 8th grades at the school.

A Senior Rabbi at Midway Jewish Center, Rabbi Levenson also serves as a Captain and Chaplain with the New York National Guard. He holds a Doctorate in Pastoral Care and Counseling from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion and received his rabbinical ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary, where he also earned a Master's in Jewish Education. A graduate of Miami University with degrees in Psychology and Political Science, he also studied at Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Originally from Akron, Ohio, he served as International President of United Synagogue Youth (USY) in 1991. Among his many achievements, Rabbi Levenson delivered the Opening Prayer for the United States House of Representatives during the 112th Congress, Second Session. He is an alumnus of the Jewish Leaders Program at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and is a former President of the Long Island Board of Rabbis. At Schechter, he regularly volunteers as a visiting Rabbi in the Lower School and has edited both a Haggadah and Tu B'Shevat Seder.

 

Leora serves as the School Social Worker at Schechter, while also contributing as a Class Parent and co-chair of the Chesed Committee. She holds a Master's Degree in Social Work and Jewish Communal Studies from the University of Pennsylvania and Gratz College, and a B.A. in Judaic Studies from Rutgers University. A graduate of Solomon Schechter Day School of Essex and Union (now Golda Och Academy), Leora brings a unique perspective as both an alumna of Jewish day school education and a dedicated professional serving the next generation.

 

Joel and Leora share a profound commitment to Conservative Jewish education and the mission of the Schechter School of Long Island. They champion a vibrant, inclusive learning environment where Jewish values flourish. They envision a world where the next generation builds on this foundation, ensuring a bright and meaningful future for Am Yisrael.