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Rabbi/Cantor Jason van Leeuwen

***** ******* **. #*** <> Sherman Oaks CA 91423

818-***-****

acuyu4@r.postjobfree.com

CAREER SUMMARY

Completed one (1) UniteRabbi van Leeuwen’s first journey into hospice was through his father’s experiences as a hospice volunteer for 25 years. 2010 2016: Chaplain, VITAS Innovative Hospice, Encino CA provided emotional and spiritual support to hospice patients and their families of all faiths and cultural backgrounds collaborated with various clinical inter disciplinary teams planned and implemented marketing events at contracted facilities through Tikvah Hospice program. Completed 1 Unit of CPE Training at VITAS prior to full time employment in 2011. 2012 Present: Rabbi and Cantor, Temple B'nai Hayim, Sherman Oaks, CA (part time) Facilitate and oversee all religious and cultural programming Oversee executive staff in coordination with the Board of Trustees Cultivate leadership skills of Board Revitalizing marketing strategy in coordination with Board Sustained outreach to synagogue membership in all demographic categories, including seniors, children, tots and young adults. 2009 2012 R abbi, T emple Ner Maarav, Encino CA (part time) Facilitated and oversaw all religious and cultural programming in coordination with Cantor Worked closely with elected Board of Trustees Reached out assiduously to the local Jewish and interfaith community. Sustained outreach to synagogue membership and larger community in all demographic categories. Position eliminated due to merger with larger synagogue. 2004 – 2009 R abbi, C ongregation Tikvat Jacob, W. Los Angeles/Manhattan Beach CA Established strong collegiality with fellow clergy in newly merged synagogue. Developed innovative worship experiences, such as

"Shabbat Rocks" and "Wake Up Shabbat." Formed intergenerational band, “Shul of Rock,” with over 25 members. Organized softball team in inter Synagogue league. Revitalized Youth program. Restructured Bnai Mitzvah program, improving training and deepening connections between families and community. Developed adult and family education programs, with courses such as "Passover Central," "Sacred Texts on Social Justice," "My Jewish Gym,” "Tot Shabbat," etc. Extensive engagement in grassroots advocacy, primarily for the working poor.

1999 – 2004 C antor, T emple Ramat Zion, Northridge, CA Revitalized and diversified 500 member community’s musical tradition. Infused sacred chanting with passion and fervor, encouraging congregational participation. Trained 35 bnai mitzvah annually, focusing on getting to know each child and family personally. Organized fundraising concerts, such as a benefit for 9/11 relief that netted $10,000 for families of victims. Empowered members to share bima time, guiding teen bnai mitzvah tutors and doubling the number of lay torah readers. Composed “Shabbat Rocks,” a rock service that drew large crowds from all demographic groups. Directed youth choir and supervised music director and adult choir. Produced annual musical theatre productions alongside traditional Purim services, penning parodies of popular musicals. 1995 1998 R abbi, C ongregation Tifereth Israel, Glen Cove, NY Revived Youth and Confirmation programs. Introduced Family Education modalities collaborated with leadership in successful Centennial campaign extensive involvement in community affairs, eg., municipal Senior Advisory Council chaired ad hoc committee that successfully founded homeless shelter program.

RELATED EXPERIENCE

1997 – 1998: A djunct Professor, Dept. of Foreign Languages, CW Post College, Brookville NY Page 2

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Rabbi/Hazzan Jason van Leeuwen

EDUCATION

Jewish Theological Seminary, New York: R abbinic Ordination, 1995 M.A., 1993 Awarded Scharpes Memorial Prize in Talmud. Concentration in Midrash. Elected to Rabbinical School Student Organization. Created “Diyyunim v’Deot,” a series of forums and peer run “schmooze groups” on subjects of various interest. Served as Student Rabbi in Auburn, NY, 1993 – 1995. Tel Aviv University, Israel: A leph Aleph Fellowship in Jewish Education, 1991 – 1992 Joined educators from four continents in program funded by the Jewish Agency. Developed “The Child’s Perspective,” an innovation in elementary age Bible study that incorporated psychodramatic elements. University of Judaism, Los Angeles: B .L. (Rabbinic Program), 1991 B.A. (cum laude), 1988 Fischer Award for Superior Speechwriting, 1991. Delivered Commencement Luncheon remarks, 1988 and 1991. Served on Rabbinical School Faculty in Fall 1990 semester. Ramona Fisher Award for Academic Excellence, 1990. Served as University’s first Religious Life Coordinator. Created extra curricular theatre program. Co founded KOAH 530 radio station. Created extra curricular theatre program and directed, produced and/or performed in several theatrical and choral productions. Deans List, Fall 1987 and Spring 1988. INTERNSHIPS

VITAS Innovative Hospice, Encino CA: Unit in Clinical Pastoral Education, received 2011 Jacob Perlow Hospice at Beth Israel Hospital, New York: P astoral Care Intern,, 1994 1995 Rabbinic Intern, N ational Ramah Commission, 1993 94 Rabbinic Intern, U CLA Hillel, 1989 – 1991

DISCOGRAPHY and COMPOSITION

Bruna in Beverly Hills ( co writer of situation comedy pilot) e xpected r elease: 2017 Wake Up Shabbat ( composer, arranger, producer, lead vocalist and guitarist), Rainbo Records, e xpected release: 2 016 Whole World Shine ( co lyricist), 2012

One People ( background vocalist for Debbie Friedman), Jewish Music Group, 2006 Shabbat Rocks ( composer, arranger, producer, lead vocalist and guitarist), Rainbo Records, 2004 A World Separated by the Same God ( vocal arranger for composer/ musician Ignatio Cano), Virgin Records, 1994 PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Rabbinical Assembly s ince 1995

Cantors Assembly s ince 2004

Board of Rabbis of Southern California s ince 1998 United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

L.A. City certified Neighborhood Council of North Hills West: c o founder and first elected President, 2002 – 2004. Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice – Los Angeles: L AX Clergy Committee. Los Angeles Jewish Chamber of Commerce s ince 2009. Encino Chamber of Commerce s ince 2010.

SPECIAL SKILLS

Trained vocalist, guitarist, composer, writer, arranger, actor, director, producer, bandleader. HOBBIES

Music, theatre, softball, bicycling, in line skating

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