Family Levene
Meet Family Levene:
Rabbi Marc and Lisa Levene have been the Rabbi and Rebbetzen of Hampstead Garden Suburb since the summer of 2022, having previously served as the senior Rabbinic couple of Belmont United Synagogue for nearly six years. Prior to that, they served as the assistant Rabbinic couple at Hampstead Garden Suburb Synagogue (HGSS)
BOREHAMOOD MEETS PINNER
Rabbi Levene grew up in Borehamwood, and attended both Watford Grammar School for Boys and the JFS, before spending a gap year in Israel with FZY in 2000. He then went on to read Community and Youth Studies gaining a BA (Hons) at Leeds Metropolitan University, as well as receiving a Diploma in Youth Work from the National Youth Agency (NYA). After working for the Clubhouse in Golders Green, a centre for troubled teenagers, Rabbi Levene spent six years from 2005 at the Darche Noam Yeshivah (Shapell’s) in Jerusalem. Whilst there he met his wife, Lisa, who is originally from Pinner, and they went on to marry in 2007. Rabbi Levene has a passion for singing, and has not only sung at many smachot, also appeared on stage several times in Trafalgar Square. He is a passionate fan of Liverpool Football club, and sits on the Official Club Fan Forum for ED&I. He also sits on the Executive for the Rabbinical Council of the United Synagogue.
Professionalism, Innovation, and a Heart for Community
Lisa brings to her communal role here at HGSS a unique combination of professionalism and innovation, coupled with her warm sense of humour and infectious laughter. Her love of people shines through in her teaching, hospitality, and pastoral care. Lisa is a graduate of the Ner L’Elef training program, the Bradfield program run by LSJS, the Chief Rabbi’s Ma’ayan program, and an international group of mentors (Core MMC). Additionally, she is a certified teacher for Kallah’s brides. With over 25 years of professional experience in Human Resources, business development, and consulting across both profit and non-profit sectors, as well as a Master's degree and a knowledge base rooted in business psychology, Lisa possesses the expertise to turn visions into realities. Her innate love of people drives her commitment to making a meaningful difference within the HGSS and wider community in every aspect of her role, including teaching, developing educational materials, creating innovative resources, developing community engagement initiatives, and coordinating programming efforts. Yet, at the heart of it all, is her profound love for people, her sensitivity, and her genuine desire to empower and bring out the best in everyone. She thrives in her role as a Rebbetzen and manages her family and varied communal responsibilities with her warm sense of humour and infectious laughter.
Together they have four beautiful daughters, Rachel, Miri, Ruthie and Rivka.