Prospect Heights Shul

11/07/2025

As the anniversary of Kristallnacht approaches, take a moment to read Rabbi Jon Leener’s recent article, which takes a closer look at the events of Kristallnacht and its immediate aftermath, revealing key inflection points in the unfolding of the Holocaust.

From the blog of Jonathan Leener at The Times of Israel

12/05/2024

Check out Rabbi Jon Leener’s latest article where he argues that prioritizing the basics over flashy new programs or cutting-edge engagement techniques can lead to extraordinary results for synagogues.

The synagogue is a timeless foundation of Jewish life — one that simply needs to be reclaimed, reimagined and reinvested in. Focusing on the basics, rather than flashy new programs or cutting-edge engagement techniques, can yield extraordinary results.

02/06/2024

Check out Rabbi Leener’s thoughtful article in the The Times of Israel.

From the blog of Jonathan Leener at The Times of Israel

10/12/2023

Check out Rabbi Jon Leener's Dvar Torah on Parshat Bereish*t for Accidental Talmudist and the Jewish Journal!

"After the High Holidays, when we often relate to God in distant terms like “King” or “Lord of Infinity,” this verse emphasizes a closeness and resemblance to God that may seem radically subversive. The tradition’s continual oscillation between God as totally unknowable and as a near replica is tremendous.While relating to God’s power and omnipotent capabilities, opening ourselves up to seeing ourselves as more godlike can transform our relationships with ourselves and others."

A Double-Faced Being

10/09/2023

The Prospect Heights Shul stands with the State of Israel and will continue to remain by her side during these unprecedented times of suffering and bloodshed. We join the Jewish people in mourning the tragic loss of life, and we pray for the safety and return of those taken hostage, along with the hundreds of thousands of soldiers who will be risking their lives fighting to defend Israel.

The images and stories that are emerging are truly shocking and nearly incomprehensible. To give context, the horrific attacks on Shabbat are the most lethal assault against Jews since the Holocaust. To state the obvious, now more than ever we must come forward to support Israel. This is a Jew's foremost responsibility at this challenging moment.

We will do our absolute best to keep everyone informed of ways they can help and show their support. We plan on having an event later in the week where we will recite tehillim and be together as a community.

We hope to share more opportunities in the coming days, but for now please join PHS for the New York Stands With Israel vigil and rally on Tuesday, October 10th at 5 PM at DAG HAMMARSKJÖLD PLAZA. (Enter on 2nd Avenue and 47th Street). If you would like to travel as a group, please meet us in front of Luria Academy (664 Bergen Street) at 4pm. We thank the UJA-NY and the JCRC for organizing.

While there is no specific threat in our area or to our shul at this time due to the war in Israel, our regular security will be taking additional safety measures for this upcoming Shabbat.

Finally, please don't hesitate to reach out for help during these difficult times, especially if you are struggling with your mental health.

B’akhdut/In solidarity,
Rabbi Leener & PHS President Ari Susswein

09/03/2023

Dear PHS family,

We hope this email finds you well and enjoying your Labor Day Weekend.

We’re writing to share some exciting news! After a year-long evaluation of various real estate options, we're thrilled to announce that PHS will become the anchor tenant at the beautiful new Luria Academy (664 Bergen Street). While 1027 Pacific has been a cherished home since 2019, we're eagerly anticipating the advantages of a bright and spacious environment at Luria, free of pet odors, with ample room for our youngsters to play and participate in meaningful programming.

We will begin moving almost immediately, but there will be a transitional phase. For example, we will meet at Luria for the upcoming Lowin Bar Mitzvah on Shabbat day, September 9. However, Kabbalat Shabbat and Selichot will be back at 1027. Please continue to check announcements for more details. As you may have seen, we will be at Luria for Rosh Hashanah. Our first full Shabbat in our new home will be Shabbat Shuva, September 22. What an incredible way for our community to come together and celebrate the new Jewish year!

While the vast majority of the feedback we received was in support of our community’s move to Luria, we do understand that there are a wide range of opinions, and many may feel uncertain or concerned about this change. We want to ensure every PHS community member feels at home in our new home; please contact us if you’d like to chat or help make sure that’s the case.

We’re supremely excited for what our new home allows for us, but we also need your assistance. We are going to attempt to move out of our old home and into our new one in a very rapid timeframe, and there’s a lot that needs to happen, both before and after we move in. If you can lend a hand to facilitate, coordinate, decorate, adjudicate, levitate, or just plain schlep – please don’t hesitate. We could really use the help. Email or text Rabbi Leener or Ari.
Thank you for being a part of the PHS family. We deeply appreciate your thoughtfulness and engagement in this process, and we look forward to seeing you all at Luria soon!

Sincerely,
Ari Susswein, President
Rabbi Jonathan Leener

08/21/2023

We are seeking a passionate and creative Jewish Educator to join our team and lead programming for children aged 7-12 during the upcoming High Holidays. Interested? Please reach out to Rabbi Leener.

Job Posting: Jewish Educator for High Holiday Kids' Programming Organization: The Prospect Heights Shul Position: Jewish Educator for High Holiday Kids' Programming Location: Luria Academy, 664 Bergen Street, Brooklyn NY 11238 About Us: The Prospect Heights Shul is a dynamic and inclusive Mo...

07/28/2023

Check our Rabbi Jon Leener's thoughts on the Parsha in the Jewish Journal and Accidental Talmudist, Shabbat Shalom!

Keep Ascending

06/04/2023

Check out Rabbi Leener’s recent Op-Ed in The Forward.

It’s a religious imperative that Orthodox Jews to fully embrace gay Jews and LGBTQ+ people, writes Rabbi Jonathan Leener.

05/16/2023

Join Rabbi Jon Leener tonight (8pm) for Pre-Shavuot Learning! This two-part learning series is in partnership with Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies.

The class will be explore the concept of a primordial Torah that existed prior to Mount Sinai. If this is true, what implications does it have for our understanding of the Torah? We will delve into Kabbalistic and Hasidic texts that offer various perspectives and ideas on the true nature and origins of the Torah. This class is open to all learners, and no previous knowledge of Hebrew or the subject matter is required.

REGISTER HERE FOR ZOOM LINK:

Traditional Jewish texts explore the concept of a primordial Torah that existed prior to Mt. Sinai. If this is true, what implications does it have for our understanding of the Torah? In this course, we will delve into Kabbalistic and Hassidic texts that offer various perspectives and ideas on the t...

05/11/2023

Get your tickets now before we sell out! We are pumped to be hosting the Unorthodox Comedy Show in a few weeks.

THIS is the comedy show everyone's been trying to get tickets to! We feature New York's best up and coming comedians!!!