Rabbi Roger Lerner recently joined Temple B'nai B'rith as its 20th spiritual leader. Rabbi Lerner comes from the Upper Valley Jewish Community in Hanover, New Hampshire, where he served as Director of Education and B'nai Mitzvah Coordinator. Rabbi Lerner was ordained by Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion, Cincinnati, OH in June 2007.

While a rabbinic student, Rabbi Lerner had a variety of leadership positions, serving as a student rabbi at Temple Beit Haverim, Temple B'nai Moshe, Yavneh Day School, and the Hillel House at University of Cincinnati, as well as a Chaplain at Twin Towers Senior Living Community. He particularly enjoyed the time he spent living and studying in Israel.

Prior to rabbinic school, Rabbi Lerner was an outdoor adventure therapist in Georgia where he worked with students and adults in a variety of settings. He states, "The skills that I learned have proven to be an asset in my life and in my work. I enjoy bringing outdoor experiences to groups wherever I am."

Rabbi Lerner enjoys hiking and other outdoor pursuits; In fact, he recently led some of his congregants on a white water rafting trip down the Lehigh River. He spent time at the JCC Day Camp this summer leading services as well as teaching the children on the ropes adventure course. He also enjoys a ride on his Harley Davidson motorcycle.

Rabbi Lerner is thrilled to be at Temple B'nai B'rith. "When I interviewed at Temple B'nai B'rith, I knew it was the right place for me and my family. The congregation is warm and welcoming and the community is a great place to raise a family. I respect the great history and traditions of Temple B'nai B'rith and the Jewish community of Wilkes-Barre and look forward to growing and changing with the congregation, as well."
 
 
Rabbi Lerner hopes that those interested in Temple B'nai B'rith will join him and the congregation at Shabbat services on Friday evenings at 7:30 or at Torah study on Saturday morning at 10:00 AM. Those who are interested in meeting with the Rabbi are invited to call him at 287-9606 to set up an appointment or stop in for a chat.

Rabbi Lerner lives in Kingston with his wife, Lydia, and children.

Rabbi Lerner can be reached by telephone at (570) 287-9606 ext. 104 or by email at RabbiLerner@Tbbwb.com.