Clergy


Reb Jason van Leeuwen

With a 20-year proven track record of compelling spiritual vision and passion for teaching and studying sacred texts, "Reb Jason" creatively makes ancient works come alive. Infusing sermons with humor and gravitas in conversational style, he also brings his talent as a recognized vocalist, guitarist, and composer as well. His first CD, "Shabbat Rocks" had 4 tracks shoot to the top 5 in mp3.com Australia's World Music charts. Reb Jason’s community outreach includes the production of a fundraising concert for victims of 911, the start of a temporary housing program for migrant workers on Long Island, and serving as President of an LA Neighborhood Council.

In addition to his experience as a Rabbi and cantor, he was involved in the theater, having been an actor, director, producer, and composer.

Born in Syracuse, New York, the son of a Dutch Jewish father and a Daughter of the American Revolution, Reb Jason was ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary and holds a BA Degree from the University of Judaism. He is the father of two children and is a resident of Encino, California.

 

 

Cantor Linda Rich

Cantor Linda Rich is the daughter of well-known Cantor Israel Reich ("Z"L) and is a 5th generation cantor in her family. Her brothers, Barry and Brian are Cantors as well in the Northern California area. Linda made headlines when she became the first woman conservative cantor in history in Feb. of 1978. She was chosen to become the official cantor of the 1984 Olympics when it was held in Los Angeles and that same year was invited to sing at the "1984 World Chassidic Festival" in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa. Her recording of "Barcheynu Avinu" appears on the record album "World Chassidic Festival." Linda majored in music at San Francisco State University, received a scholarship to study acting at the American Conservatory Theatre (ACT), and musical theatre at the Dorothy Chandler Pavillion , also under a scholarship. She is a member of the Cantors Assembly of America. Linda also plays classical piano and accompanies herself on guitar at Friday evening services. Linda has served many congregations in the Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley areas for the last 30 years with her "authentic" style of chazzanut. She is happily married to "Prince" Philip Freed and has an 18 year old daughter, Rachel, who is a voice major at CSUN and aspires to become the 6th generation of Cantors in her family!! Rachel can often be heard helping lead services on Friday evenings, alongside her mother.

 

 

Cantor Emeritus Maurice Glick

Cantor Maurice Glick has been Cantor Emeritus of Temple Ner Maarav since 1998, having served the congregation for 35 years, beginning in 1963. He is a native of California and a graduate of UCLA where he majored in music, and received a special Secondary Credential in music. Cantor Glick is also an accomplished violinist, as well as a choral director and concert singer. He resides in Thousand Oaks with his wife of 46 years, Joanne. They have 3 grown children and 4 grandchildren.