Rabbi Paul H. Levenson

Rabbi Paul H. Levenson – beloved “Singing Rabbi,” gifted orator, and lifelong builder of communities – died peacefully in his sleep in Rockville, MD – just two weeks shy of his 94th birthday. For more than six decades, he brought people together through a passionate commitment to Judaism – delivered through song, inspiring sermons and humor. Whether on a pulpit, at a hospital bedside, or with a guitar in hand, he believed deeply in Judaism not just as a tradition, but as a living, breathing force for connection, social justice and healing.

Born in Queens, New York in 1932, Paul’s path to the rabbinate began when his father became president of Temple Israel in Lawrence, Long Island. There, he witnessed the profound impact a rabbi could have on a community – and decided early he would devote his life to that calling. After graduating from Hobart College, where he played lacrosse, he enrolled at Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati, embracing Reform Judaism’s commitment to social justice. A proud patriot, he backed up his values with action, serving as a U.S. Army chaplain. That commitment extended beyond the pulpit: he marched in Washington with Martin Luther King Jr. and Abraham Joshua Heschel. Later, with his wife Marlyn, they advocated for Soviet Jewry and the enduring necessity of a Jewish homeland.

Inspired by his father’s tin pan alley songwriting and his own love of folk music, Rabbi Levenson became known as “The Singing Rabbi,” entertaining Jewish souls by blending melody with message. He delighted congregations from Killeen, Texas to Brookline, Massachusetts, New Brunswick, NJ - and ultimately to the heart of America, Kansas City, where he raised his family and created the city’s first Jewish Folk Festival at Crown Center. He also taught Old Testament at Rockhurst College, a Jesuit institution – a reflection of his belief that faith could and should build bridges. A counselor as well as a spiritual leader, he earned a master’s degree in Transactional Analysis from UMKC, deepening his ability to guide others through life’s most complex moments.

Returning back to Boston, he became known as the “Rabbi of Hospital Row,” comforting the sick and dying with prayer, song, and often laughter. As Hillel Rabbi at Northeastern University, in addition to teaching, he also became the coach for Northeastern University’s Lacrosse team inspiring generations of students.

His commitment to ethical responsibility extended into the scientific community, where for decades he served as a trusted clergy voice reviewing research protocols for ethical concerns. In recognition of his integrity and dedication, the Massachusetts Society for Medical Research established the Rabbi Paul Levenson Award – which is now given annually.

Later, as head rabbi of Temple Chayai Shalom in Easton, the community bestowed him with the honor of being their Rabbi Emeritus.

Beyond his Rabbinical work, Rabbi Levenson lived a full life, running more than a dozen marathons including Kansas City’s Hospital Hill Run and the Boston Marathon. He also enjoyed going to and watching Celtics and Red Sox games with his sons. Sailing was a lifelong passion as well, often sailing solo as well as taking others along for the ride. His love of sailing endured into his later years, where he wound up serving as chaplain of Boston’s Port Norfolk Yacht Club.

He officiated at countless weddings, funerals, brisses, and baby namings, marking the full arc of Jewish life with compassion and care. Above all, he believed in bringing Jews together and devoted his life to that worthy cause. There were countless others whose lives were touched by his music, wisdom, and unwavering belief in the power of community.

He was married for more than 50 years to the late Marlyn Katz Levenson (z”l), a devoted educator and late President of the Massachusetts Association of Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (MATSOL), sharing her passion for helping new émigrés find their place in the world. Together they raised four children. Rabbi Paul is survived by his sister Judith Clapp (Lewis z”l) of Lexington, Massachusetts; his children Yonah Levenson, Robert Levenson, Dode Levenson, and Ilana Katz Katz (Warren Katz); his grandchildren Burton Hirschman (Menuchah), Shoshana, Sydney and Isabel “Izzy” Levenson.

His legacy lives on in the voices he lifted, the people he comforted, and the communities he helped bring a little closer together. Rabbi Levenson will be missed by many. Baruch Dayan Emet. May his memory be for a blessing.