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) together with their four daughters, Racheli, Miri, Ruthie and Rivka.
Rabbi Levene grew up in Borehamwood, where he was a very proud member of the Borehamwood and Elstree United Synagogue. He 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. Together they have four beautiful girls, Rachel, Miri, Ruthie and Rivka. In 2011 he received his Semicha (Rabbinical Ordination) from Rabbi Zalman Nechemia Goldberg z’l.
As an experienced Rabbi, he is able to speak on a vast array of topics with particular interest in teaching Halacha and the Parsha as well as officiating at all lifecycle events.
When moving back to London in the summer of 2011, Rabbi Levene’s energy and enthusiasm was enjoyed way beyond the borders of the communities in which he worked. He was often found singing at many smachot, exciting the crowds at the Annual Etgar Competition at Wembley Stadium, or on stage at Trafalgar Square for Chanukah.
Rabbi Levene is an elected member of the Rabbinical Council of the United Synagogue, with the portfolio for Tribe and Young People. He is a facilitator for the Promoting Excellence in Rabbonim (PEIR) Goal and Review Settings, guiding rabbinical colleagues and lay leaders through this process, as well as being an advocate for the wider Jewish community from sporting professionals to the Metropolitan Police, in matters pertaining to Anglo Jewry. Rabbi Levene is a passionate Liverpool LFC supporter. He also enjoys performing magic, cooking, and is partial to a very nice single malt scotch.
Rebbetzen Lisa was born and raised in North West London, she completed her BSc Psychology and Management followed by a Masters in Personnel and Development whilst simultaneously working for Marks and Spencer and then Mercer Human Resource Consulting. After working in the City for over five years she then spent seven years in Israel, three of which in Sem. During that time, she founded her own virtual consultancy firm LL Consulting.
Rebbetzen Lisa is an experienced educator and has been involved in many innovative programmes and educational initiatives both at home and abroad. During her time in Israel she was trained by Ner LeElef and received accreditation from the Refuah Institute in counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy.
Certified by ‘MEP’ and the ‘Jewish Marriage Education’, Lisa instructs and counsels brides before marriage. She also teaches Batmtizvah girls, in groups or individually. Rebbetzen Lisa also completed the Suzi Bradfield Programme for Rebbetzens at LSJS, as well as qualifying in the initial cohort of Ma’aynot under the auspices of the Chief Rabbi. In 2021 Rebbetzen Lisa completed a Core two year international programme for rebbetzens and community leaders.
