Our Chazan - Pinchas Levinson

Cantor Pinchas Levinson was born and raised in Mea Shearim, Israel. Both his father and grandfather served as Chazanim, so it seemed natural to Cantor Levinson to follow the family tradition. He trained privately in Israel and led congregations there before taking on a position in Durban, South Africa in 1973. Three years later, he moved to a Young Israel congregation in Brooklyn, New York. He then joined Machzikei Hadas in 1979 and has been our cantor since. Over his decades of service here, he has trained hundreds of Bar Mitzvah boys. His powerful tenor voice has added a real ruach (spirit) to our Shabbat and High Holiday services.

Our Chazan Shaynee - Shimon Fogel

Our Chazan Shaynee, Shimon Fogel, is a most personable and engaging person. His most usual "task," but for him a pleasure, is to read the Torah on Shabbat, Yom Tov, and other occasions. But he is always there to pitch in when the chazan is away; to give the afternoon study class on Shabbat when the rabbi is away; and help whenever help is needed.

Our New Program Director - Rabbi Moshe Baron

Rabbi Moshe Baron attended Yeshiva University in New York, and graduated with degrees in both Biology and Jewish Studies. Upon graduation he was honored with the Excellence in Bible Award.

Rabbi Baron then moved back to Canada where he followed his dream of becoming a Rabbi. He studied in Yeshivat Noam HaTorah under the supervision of Harav HaGaon Rabbi Yehoshua Shmidman Zt"l, and was ordained by the Rabbi Ephraim Greenblatt of Memphis and Rabbi Gedalia Schwartz.

Rabbi Baron then moved to England to become the University Chaplain for Bristol & Western Region Jewish Chaplaincy. He was involved in many communal organizations and ran many activities, such as weekly Kosher Kafe learning sessions, Lunch n' Learns, and social events. He also offered several Torah and Modern Hebrew classes to students in Bristol University and surrounding cities (even in Wales!).

Rabbi Baron is an active member of the Rabbinical Council of America as well as a Mohel. He has developed his secular learning and gained extensive administrative experience over the years including the start up of two companies. He is a wonderful example of Torah Umada (Torah education combined with secular education).

Rabbi Baron enjoys sports (basketball, karate, ping pong…you name it!) and is an avid skier. On his free time he enjoys learning and teaching halakhah. He is married to Melissa and they have one baby girl - Leora Simcha.

In addition to being the Program Director at Machzikei Hadas, Rabbi Baron will also be teaching at Torah High.