Welcome! We're thrilled to have you visit the official website of Robert Leventhal, an esteemed author, poet, and leadership consultant. Here, you'll discover a treasure trove of literary works and thought-provoking insights that span historical, natural, political, and emotional landscapes.
At 65, Leventhal took up pen and palette and crafted a rich way to live the world . Walk with him.
Interested in taking a deeper look at your life’s journey?
The Memory Chest creates a reflective conversation of painting and poetry.
Hoping to find creative expression as you get ready for what’s next?
The Memory Chest
A Conversation of Poetry and Painting
by Robert F. Leventhal
With an unmistakable voice and profound depth, Robert Leventhal’s The Memory Chest is a captivating collection of poetry that traverses the landscapes of history, nature, politics, and emotion. Each poem is a reflection on love and loss, approached with a vulnerability that touches the heart, and on the prospect of aging with a blend of optimism and gratitude. Leventhal’s years of leadership in the Jewish community infuse his work with biblical language and wisdom, adding layers of meaning and resonance.
Leventhal’s poems invite readers to journey through centuries of human experience, contemplating what it means to be alive today. The accompanying artwork enhances this exploration, creating an elegant dialogue between visual art and poetry. There is a deep reverence within many of these works, balanced by Leventhal’s lightheartedness and zest for life, which shine through in every word and brushstroke.
"We affectionately called my father Harry, the Bear," writes Robert Leventhal. "Big, garrulous, and gruff, he cast a big shadow. I would struggle to determine how to be my own kind of bear."
Swept Away
From Family Broom Business
to Synagogue Consulting
by Robert F. Leventhal
In Swept Away: From Family Broom Business to Synagogue Consulting, Robert Leventhal shares the compelling story of his journey from managing his family’s broom and mop business in Springfield, Ohio, to becoming a renowned synagogue leadership consultant in New York City. This memoir is a tribute to the father-son relationship that shaped Leventhal’s life and a testament to his quest to find his own path.
Leventhal spent 23 years working in his family business, which evolved into O-Cedar-Vining cleaning products. After the business was sold, he stayed on for five years with the new owners before resigning to explore his Jewish communal interests. This exploration led him to roles as a seventh-grade religious school teacher, a Jewish day school president, and a Federation leader. These experiences inspired him to combine his business acumen with his growing passion for Jewish learning, leading to a successful career as a synagogue consultant.
- Father-Son Relationship: A heartfelt exploration of the bond between Robert and his father, Harry, who was affectionately called “the Bear.”
- Career Transformation: Leventhal’s transition from the family broom business to becoming a key figure in synagogue consulting.
- Jewish Communal Leadership: Insights into Leventhal’s journey through various leadership roles in the Jewish community, culminating in his consultancy work.
- Personal Growth: Reflections on the challenges and triumphs of finding one’s own identity and path in life.
Stepping Forward Together is more than just a guide; it's a call to action for religious leaders to embrace strategic thinking and collaborative planning. Dive into this indispensable resource and lead your congregation toward a vibrant and sustainable future.
Stepping Forward Together
by Robert F. Leventhal
Stepping Forward Together by Robert Leventhal is an essential guide for rabbis and religious leaders seeking to create shared understanding, vision, strategies, goals and implementable actions.
A synagogue strategic plan should answer the question, “How will we help build a meaningful Jewish community in the coming 3 to 5 years? What issues must be resolved? What shifts need to occur?”
Synagogue plans need to welcome both new ideas and new stakeholders energized to make things happen.
Stepping Forward Together Key Features:
- Vision and Strategy Development: Detailed guidance on how to craft a compelling rabbinic vision and develop effective strategies for implementing change.
- Engagement Techniques: Practical advice on how to engage congregants in meaningful conversations about the future of the congregation.
- Transition Support: Ideal for rabbis transitioning to new pulpits, providing them with the tools they need to hit the ground running.
- Future Planning: A valuable resource for rabbis looking to engage in strategic planning in the near future.
- Lay/Staff Partnership: Advocates for a collaborative approach to visioning and planning, highlighting the importance of working together for successful outcomes.
“For several decades Bob Leventhal has helped synagogues across North America become more vibrant forward looking institutions. In Stepping Forward Together we have the gift of his accumulated wisdom from all of his work in the field.”
Byachad
Synagogue Board Development
by Robert F. Leventhal
One of the signs of a vital congregation is its leadership. Prospective leaders and members may look at our building, programs, and brochures, but they will also take the measure of our leadership. Do our leaders seem to take joy in Jewish living? Does Judaism make our leaders’ board governance something special—something of which prospective leaders and members want to be a part?
In Byachad: Synagogue Board Development, Robert Leventhal offers a comprehensive workbook designed to build board consensus around critical governance functions and create a systematic plan for motivating and supporting leaders. This guide focuses on aligning congregational goals to ensure that leaders provide the right direction, make appropriate assignments, and give effective feedback. By doing so, leaders will build enduring relationships and foster a strong sense of community within their congregations.
- Leadership Energy: Encourages leaders to find joy in Jewish living, making board governance an inspiring and desirable experience for prospective leaders and members.
- Shared Agreements: Provides strategies for building consensus around critical governance functions, ensuring a unified approach to leadership.
- Systematic Intentional Planning: Offers a detailed plan to motivate and support leaders to develop better board and committee practices.
- Congregational Goals: Emphasizes the importance of shared goals in clarifying roles and responsibilities for action for whole board.
- Team Relationship Building: Focuses on creating strong, enduring relationships and a culture of mutual accountability through effective leadership practices.