Rabbi Robert N. Levine, D.D.

Senior Rabbi

Robert Levine, Senior Rabbi of Congregation Rodeph Sholom for the past 20 years, is an inspiring speaker, teacher, and counselor to congregants and community alike. A clear thinker with a terrific sense of humor, he is a sought-after speaker and media guest on national radio and television programs.

Especially active in communal affairs, he is a past President of the New York Board of Rabbis, as well as having served as Vice-President and Chairman of its Interfaith Committee. He has chaired the Catholic/Jewish Dialogue with the Archdiocese of the City of New York, the publications committee of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, is a member of the Commission of Religious Leaders of New York City, the American Jewish Committee as well as Synergy/UJA Federation.

Rabbi Levine is the author of three books. Rabbi Robert Levine’s latest book, What God Can Do For You Now: For Seekers Who Want to Believe (Sourcebooks, Inc. 2008), represents his personal faith journey and is for Jews, Christians and secularists who want to find a way back from skepticism and self-doubt about God. He asserts that with all our reservations, we can still have a real relationship with God that matters for our lives and for the world that needs action emerging from faith. Where Are You When I Need You? Befriending God When Life Hurts (HarperSanFrancisco, 1996) offers timeless stories and anecdotes for readers of all ages and faiths to strengthen and renew their relationship with God, even in the face of one’s gravest doubts. In There Is No Messiah and You’re It: The Stunning Transformation of Judaism’s Most Provocative Idea (Jewish Lights, 2003), Rabbi Levine urges us to recognize that the powerful messianic ideals we’re waiting to have delivered to us are already present in our own lives.

Rabbi Levine was ordained at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in 1977 and received his Doctor of Divinity Degree in March 2002. He is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Columbia College. In 1997 he received the Maria and Joel Finkle Prize as Rabbi of the Year, presented by the New York Board of Rabbis; in 2002 he was the recipient of the International Humanitarian Award by The World Union for Progressive Judaism, alongside Ehud Barak, former Prime Minister of Israel, the Westy Award from West Side Spirit in 2006 and the Champion of Choice Award from NARAL in 2010.

He is married to Gina Stahl Levine and together, they are the proud parents of Judah, Ezra and Maya.

Phone Number: (646) 454-3020
Email Address: gro.cynsrcnull@enivelibbar
5772 High Holy Day Sermons
Rabbi Levine’s 20th Anniversary Service