About
Rabbi Marc Levene is the Rabbi of Belmont United Synagogue, having previously served as the Assistant Rabbi at Hampstead Garden Suburb Synagogue (HGSS) for just under six years, a United Synagogue community in London with over 1200 member families (approx 3500 members).
Rabbi Marc Levene grew up in Borehamwood and attended both Watford Grammar School for Boys and JFS. After completing school and spending a gap year in Israel with FZY, he read Community and Youth Studies BA (Hons) in Leeds Metropolitan University as well as receiving his Diploma in Youth Work from the National Youth Agency (NYA). After working for the Clubhouse in Golders Green, Rabbi Levene spent 6 years in the Darche Noam Yeshivah (Shapell’s) in Israel.
Whilst there he met his wife Lisa who is originally from Pinner. She worked at Marks and Spencer then at Mercer, a human resources consultancy firm, before going on to study in Jerusalem. Together they have four beautiful girls, Rachel, Miri, Ruthie and Rivka. In 2011 Marc received his Semicha (Rabbinical Ordination).
As well being a Rabbi, Marc has been singing in Synagogues and at weddings for over 15 years, performing as a Chazzan and a Wedding Singer.
Marc also enjoys performing amateur magic and throughout his childhood enjoyed acting. He received grade 6 in Acting from LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) as well as attending the Sylvia Theatre School summer courses. In 2004 he appeared as the lead role in ‘Lock Stock & 2 Smoked Salmon Bagels,’ an original musical production at Her Majesty’s Theatre London, in honour of Bnei Akiva’s 65th Anniversary. Throughout his teenage and student years Marc spent much time in both FZY and then later Bnei Akiva, enjoying leading and teaching his peers and students about Israel, Judaism and Jewish Culture.
Marc brings passion and a warm friendly smile to every situation and with his varied skill set and broad background is relateable and welcoming to all that meet him.
A clip from Lisa & Marc’s Wedding: 24 June 2007, Jerusalem, Israel
