Jon Leener

Beatles Maniac, Unapologetic Dreamer, Sportaholic. 


Jon is a Base co-founder served as the rabbi at the Selma and Lawrence Ruben Base BKLYN from 2015-2022.

 

Jon is now the spiritual leader of the Prospect Heights Shul. He has also held roles as a hospital chaplain, Hebrew teacher, Israel experiential educator, and reguarly lecturers on Jewish topics. His writings on Judaism and Israel have appeared in The Washington Post, The Jerusalem Post, Haaretz, and Huffington Post. Jon also regularly blogs for Times of Israel. He most recentely published a children's book, Esther's Magical Mystery Torah, bringing the Torah of Rabbi Nachman to young children. Jon was ordained at Yeshivat Chovevei Torah Rabbinical School. 

 

Before entering rabbinical school, Jon studied at the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem. He received his B.A. from the University of Wisconsin in Communication Arts, specializing in Film and Jewish Studies. At Wisconsin, Jon received Hillel's Student Leadership Award for his efforts in combating anti-semitism on campus.

 

Jon grew up in Chevy Chase, MD and is a loyal Redskins and Orioles fan. As a Jewish educator, Jon aims to make Judaism more lively, relevant, and accessible to Jews of all backgrounds. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife Faith and their three children, Hudi, Hannah, and Tikvah.