About Us
The Prospect Heights Shul is a warm and diverse Modern Orthodox community that exists to create meaningful relationships among its members and with G-d, to foster personal and spiritual growth, and to care for those who are marginalized both within our community and beyond.
The shul was founded in summer of 2011 by Rabbi Aaron Finkelstein and members of the community. Since its establishment, it has grown from a small number of dedicated individuals to a flourishing community of nearly one hundred families. After years of being lay-led, the shul now has Rabbi Jonathan Leener as its Rabbi and the spiritual leader of the congregation. The shul community is comprised of a variety of demographics, backgrounds, and religious viewpoints. We work together to build a rich and vibrant community that is welcoming to all.
Location
PHS is now located at 664 Bergen Street, Brooklyn.
Our Rabbi
Rabbi Jonathan Leener is the spiritual leader of Prospect Heights Shul, a vibrant and inclusive Modern Orthodox synagogue in Brooklyn. Ordained in 2016 at Yeshivat Chovevei Torah Rabbinical School, Rabbi Leener brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and creativity to his role as rabbi.
Before joining Prospect Heights Shul, Rabbi Leener co-founded Base BKLYN in 2015 and served as its rabbi until 2022, creating a warm and welcoming space for young Jewish professionals to engage with their faith and community. He has also worked as a rabbinic intern at Sherith Israel Congregation in Nashville, Tennessee and Beth Sholom Congregation in Potomac, Maryland.
Rabbi Leener's writings on Judaism and Israel have been published in prestigious publications such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Jewish Week, The Jerusalem Post, and Haaretz. He is a member of the New York Board of Rabbis and serves as a Faculty Associate Fellow for Pardes North America.
When he's not leading services or engaging with his community, Rabbi Leener can be found rooting for his beloved Brooklyn Nets and singing along to his favorite Beatles tunes. Rabbi Leener is married to Faith Leener, and together they have three children: Yehuda, Hannah, and Tikvah.
Rabbi Leener can be reached by emailing rabbileener@prospectheightsshul.org
Schedule a meeting with Rabbi Leener here.
Contact Us
We'd love to hear from you! Please feel free to email the appropriate contact info, shared below.
| Who? | For |
|---|---|
| PHS Board | Any shul-related issues |
| Shul President (Ari Susswein) | Any shul-related issues |
| Rabbi Jonathan Leener | Any rabbinic or halachic issues |
| Kiddush Committee | Sponsoring a kiddush |
| Communications (Announcements) | Sharing messages with the community |
| Membership Committee | Joining the shul |
| Kids Committee | Childcare-related questions |
| Hospitality Committee | Visiting our community |