Rebjason: (Jason van Leeuwen) “Reb” Jason van Leeuwen

Reb Jason is a rabbi, cantor, chaplain, vocalist, composer, producer, actor, director and activist, having nurtured Jewish communities from coast to coast. Born in Syracuse NY to a Dutch-Jewish child refugee and a descendant of an American president, he sat at the feet of Jewish teachers and activist grandparents – learning Torah, Zionism, and quite a few Israeli dance steps at Camp Ramah, all while growing up in a blended family with Irish/Lebanese Catholics.

Too many years ago to count, he set out for sunny California, gaining his B.A. at Lee College of the University of Judaism (now American Jewish University) in Los Angeles. After receiving a B.L. at the UJ, he was ordained and received an M.A. in Hebrew Letters at New York’s Jewish Theological Seminary. In 2021, he was honored with an honorary Doctor of Divinity for his quarter-century of rabbinic service

Over his career, he helped found AIDS Interfaith Long Island, an emergency homeless shelter program, a Neighborhood Council in Los Angeles (where he also served as its first President), and numerous youth-oriented enrichment programs. He continues part-time work as a hospice chaplain and bereavement counselor. His first original studio release, “Shabbat Rocks” (2004), met with worldwide acclaim, with 4 of its tracks reaching the Top 5 in the World Music category as far away as Australia. He also has a passion for writing edgy Purim Spiels, (such as “Rocky Horror Purim Spiel,” and “Purim Stardust – David Bowie Megillah”), used by synagogues around the world. This year he will be dropping His next album, “Shabbat Awakens.”

Reb Jason believes that Jewish spiritual communities’ core area of concern should be the well-being of our fellow Jews and fellow creatures. Everything we do, from creative worship to adult and child education to community activism, must have this as its North Star. To this end, you can expect to see some ground-breaking innovations from us coming your way this coming year.

Rebjason

"Shabbat Rocks"

CD: Rebjason Music

Santa Monica, Ca.

7 24101 9240-2 6

Condition: (Sealed)

Tracks:

Lecha Dodi

It Feels Good

Tzaddik Katmar

Bring On The Night

Ahavat Olam

Mi Chamocha

Lay Us Down in Peace

V'Shamru

Aleinu

Adon Olam