Rabbi Roger Lerner
Rabbi Roger Lerner became the rabbi for Congregation Beth Shalom on July 1 st , 2026.
Firmly rooted in the Reform movement, Rabbi Lerner grew up in a reform congregation, even joining the volunteer choir after his bar mitzvah. In the summer of his fifteenth year, rabbi’s father took him on a MetroWest sponsored mission to then Russia where they delivered American products (like Levi’s jeans) to Refuseniks. Rabbi witnessed first-hand these fellow jews, in such bleak conditions. Most had no job (because they were fired for being Jewish and trying to leave the country and no one would hire them), they had little money, were unable to leave the country of their birth, were watched by the KGB, and yet, in spite of this, were grateful, generous and joyful. “I learned so much there that has influenced my life even unto today. I admired the refuseniks for their resilience and tenacity; I hoped to have even a tenth of the courage they exhibited.”
One of the foundational rabbinic principles that has guided Rabbi Lerner is the Talmudic aphorism, ‘the entire Jewish people are responsible for one another.’ I learned this from my direct personal experience, with so many courageous people stepping up and putting their very lives on the line to help people they had never met.
Twenty-six years ago, Rabbi Lerner was taught an invaluable lesson. He explained, “a dear friend shared that there was an issue of discrimination going on because of her sexual orientation. She remarked that certainly she could (and would) stand up to it, but it wouldn’t have as great effect unless someone like myself were to stand up and say something. The fact that I wouldn’t receive any benefit from what I might be fighting for, my words would bear that much more impact. This value and more have guided me in my pursuit for Social Justice.”
For ten years Rabbi Lerner served Temple B’nai B’rith of Kingston, PA and seven years at Monroe Temple Beth El of Monroe, NY. In each position, he oversaw the combining of their religious school with another local congregation, afterwards, helping lead the religious school while performing his duties as rabbi of the congregation. He shares, “It has been my privilege to continue to serve the Jewish people in all aspects of their lives; celebrating their simchas, comforting the sick and bereaved, studying, learning, teaching, praying and being a presence in the community. I am grateful to all of you who have given me this opportunity to serve you and to all of you who I have yet to meet. God
Bless.”
Rabbi Lerner was ordained by Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, OH in 2007, receiving his Masters of Hebrew Letters in 2005.
Rabbi Lerner’s children are his world and have taught him as much if not more about how to be a good person in this world.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Email: cbsrabbi@cbsmo.org
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