RABBI JONATHAN LEENER
Jon Leener is a spiritual leader and Jewish community builder in Brooklyn, NY. As the head rabbi of the Prospect Heights Shul, he is known for his innovative approach to Jewish education and his commitment to building inclusive and welcoming communities.
Rabbi Leener received his Bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2010, before going on to study at the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem. He received his rabbinic ordination from Yeshivat Chovevei Torah in 2016.
In addition to his work at the Prospect Heights Shul, Rabbi Leener is a founder of Base. He served as the founding rabbi of Base BKLYN and has also worked as a rabbinic intern at Sherith Israel Congregation in Nashville, Tennessee and Beth Sholom Congregation in Potomac, Maryland.
His writings on Judaism and Israel have been featured in prestigious publications such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, and prominent Jewish publications. Additionally, he is the author of the beloved children's book titled "Esther's Magical Mystery Torah."
Beyond his professional work, Rabbi Leener is a passionate fan of the Brooklyn Nets and a lover of the Beatles. He currently lives in Crown Heights with his wife, Faith, and their three children, Hudi, Hannah, and Tikvah.
RABBI AVRAM MLOTEK
Avram Mlotek is a rabbi, cantor, writer, Yiddish actor and licensed social worker.
In 2015, Mlotek co-founded Base, serving as rabbi of its Manhattan site for seven years as well as director of spiritual life for the Base movement.
The New York Jewish Week has called Mlotek a “leading innovator in Jewish life today” and in May 2016, Rabbi Mlotek was listed as one of America’s “Most Inspiring Rabbis” by The Forward.
His writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The New York Daily News and every major Jewish publication. He has authored two books, Why Jews Do That or 30 Questions Your Rabbi Never Answered (Skyhorse Publishing) and Passover in a Pandemic (Ben Yehuda, English and Yiddish).
A grandchild of Holocaust refugees and Yiddish cultural leaders, his new play, Amid Falling Walls, a collaborative project with his father, Zalmen Mlotek, tells the story of the Jewish people during the Holocaust through Yiddish songs of the period. It will premiere Fall 2023.
Mlotek graduated cum laude from Brandeis University and has studied at Sarah Lawrence College, Yeshiva University’s Cantorial School, Yeshivat Hadar, City College’s Educational Theatre department, Clinical Pastoral Education at The Jewish Theological Seminary and received his Masters of Social Work from Fordham University.
Mlotek has worked as a therapist at Blanton-Peale Institute and Counseling Center and serves as rabbi for Mary Manning Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center. He has served as a Chazzan for congregations in Melbourne, Australia, the Prospect Heights Shul, The Carlebach Shul, Isabella Freedman and Pearlstone Retreat Center.
He is proud Tati to Revaya, Hillel Yosl and Shabtai.
Website: avrammlotek.com
Instagram: @avrammlotek
Twitter: @RabbiAvMlotek