Rabbi Lev Baesh was ordained by his grandfather Rabbi Aaron Ilson (may his memory be a blessing) and the Reform Movement in 1994 in Cincinnati, OH. Along with his rabbinic work with B’nai Or, Lev can also be found teaching Introduction to Judaism courses for the Outreach Division of the Reform movement, as well as working with many of the Jewish not-for-profits in the US and abroad who support inclusion of all those seeking Jewish connection.

Lev is currently serving in a consulting role with InterfaithFamily.com. Previously, he served as rabbi for Temple Israel of Dover, NH from 1994-2006 and as interim rabbi for Congregation Beit Ahavah in Northampton, MA from 2006-2007. While serving the congregation in Dover, Lev was also the Jewish Chaplain at the University of NH and a member of several interfaith councils. His focus throughout his congregational work was welcoming all who wanted “Jewish” as part of their lives. B’nai Or is a natural fit for this high spirited, knowledgeable and welcoming rabbi.

Lev lives with his partner, Andrew, who joined the Jewish world after a few years into their relationship. You can read about their early life in the book The Guide to Jewish Interfaith Family Life, published by Jewish Lights Publishing, in the chapter about “Gay and Interfaith”. Lev has articles published on several websites and in magazines relating to Jewish living (spiritually, ethically, intellectually, and communally) in the 21st century.

Prior to life as a rabbi, Lev was an attorney with the Children’s Aid Society in NY, and coordinated their Manhattan project of PINS Mediation with parents and teens. Lev is a graduate of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion Class of 1994, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law at Yeshiva University Class of 1987 (accepted in the NY and CT Bar Associations), and Clark University Class of 1984. Lev was accepted and attended Bangor Theological Seminary’s Doctor of Ministry program until he decided to shift his Jewish life to work in the Jewish not-for profit sector. And for those who knew Lev prior to 1998, when he changed his name after attending a Jewish story-teller’s retreat at Elat Chayyim, you will remember him as Wesley Michael Odell.

Lev is the 5th generation rabbi in the United States, of which three are Reform and two Lebovitch (ultra Orthodox), on his mother’s side and a 2nd generation attorney on his father’s side.


Rabbis Emeritus

Rabbis Hanna Tiferet and Daniel Siegel

Eshet Hazon Matia Angelou

Founder and long time leader: Reb Lev Friedman