About us
Congregation Mount Sinai believes that a synagogue should welcome all as members of one family. We are a caring and sharing community that seeks to accommodate the diverse spiritual needs of the Jewish community and those who are interested in Jewish life. We are proud that our sacred space is a place where unity of spirit and diversity of thought support each other. Congregation Mount Sinai is an independent egalitarian synagogue that warmly welcomes people of all ages, backgrounds, affiliations, family structures, and sexual orientations. Interfaith families, those with little or extensive Jewish backgrounds, and Jews by choice are all welcome to join us.
Meet The Team
HEAD RABBI
RABBI HANNIEL LEVENSON
Rabbi Hanniel Levenson was born in Haifa, Israel and his formative years were shaped in Manhattan, NYC. Hanniel received a B.A. in Religion & Art from New York University, a Master of Science in Environmental Policy from Bard College, and Rabbinical Ordination from The Academy for Jewish Religion.Hanniel was a competitive gymnast for 15 years and is now a yoga teacher and personal trainer.
Founder of The House of Surf and Prayer; Hanniel asks all free seekers and spiritual warriors to join him on the body-mind-soul train. Life is a journey in practices of playfulness, liberation, and cosmic wonder, drawing upon the wisdom masters of the world's traditions and cultivating the ritual architect potential in all.
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Contact: rabbi@cmsbklyn.org
RABBI
EMERITUS
RABBI JOSEPH POTASNIK
Rabbi Potasnik served as spiritual leader at Congregation Mount Sinai for 42 years. He is currently Executive Vice-President and former President of the New York Board of Rabbis, the largest interdenominational body of its kind. He is also co-host of Religion on the Line, WABC 770 AM’s longest running talk radio program, which airs every Sunday from 7:30am-10:30am. Rabbi Potasnik has served as Chaplain of the New York City Fire Department, the Fraternal Order of Police, and the New York Press Club, maintaining a high profile in public affairs in the City. A native of Lynn, Massachuetts, Rabbi Potasnik received a BA from Yeshiva College and an MS from the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Yeshiva University. He received rabbinic ordination from the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary at Yeshiva University in 1972, and a JD from Brooklyn Law School. He is the proud father of Harrison Potasnik.
