Leon B. Levin ’86 died on June 18, 2024, in Salem, Massachusetts.

(The following was provided by the Goldman Funeral Chapel on June 20, 2024:)

Lee Levin was a cherished and beloved husband, father, brother, son, and dear friend. He passed away on the 18th of June, 2024. He was born April 14th, 1964, to Carol and the late Gerald Levin. He will be missed.

He grew up in Long Island, where he attended Manhasset High School. He found close friends there and at Camp Kabeyun, a place from his childhood that he always treasured. In his early life he loved to run. He was a triathlete and a marathon runner.

He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Bowdoin College, before studying economics at University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Later in life he graduated from the Rabbinical School at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York and earned a Master of Social Work degree from Salem State University.

After his time in Rabbinical School Lee served as a Rabbi at Temple Shalom, where he was adored by the congregation. He always put everything he had into being a rabbi while he was at Temple Shalom, no matter what the task.

In the latter part of his life Lee spent all of his time doing what he loved most, caring for others. He took care of his wife, Karen, his son, Jonah, and his daughter, Mayan. Along with them he was the caretaker of a veritable menagerie of animals, including dogs, cats, guinea pigs, lizards, and fish. He was the loving brother of Michael, Laura, Anna, and the late Jonathan. When he wasn’t caring for his family, he was helping the community, spending time volunteering with Meals on Wheels to make sure the elderly were fed and working overnight at the local homeless shelter, looking out for Salem’s unhoused residents. Above all else, he was a kind, gentle, and compassionate man.

Lee was a lover of music. He found it transporting and transformative, and his taste was astonishingly eclectic. There was no genre that he did not appreciate and find beauty in. During his life he learned to play multiple instruments, being able to play classical guitar and piano.

He cared deeply about his Jewish faith and was passionate about learning about other peoples’, as well. He was well read and kept himself well-informed. He was a diligent student, a tireless teacher, and an elegant writer. He was a man of absolute integrity and quiet, deep beauty. He made an impact on everyone who loved him and who he loved and cared for. He will be missed.