Rabbi Benjamin Levene, Senior Vice President of Gesher, performs his one-man play, “The Four Faces of Israel”, appearing on stage consecutively as four caricatures:  A Meah She’arim Rabbi, an Israeli bus driver, a cosmopolitan French-Jewish artist, and a wealthy American tourist who gives millions to Israel but prefers Jewish life in America. 

Rabbi Benji (as he is affectionately called) leads audiences to see themselves as others do and to face up to their stereotypes of other Jews.  Amidst the laughter, they are hardly aware that they are confronting topics of Jewish identity and unity.  At the conclusion of the show, Rabbi Levene appears onstage – this time, as himself – and leads a poignant discussion on those issues.  Considered one of Israel’s foremost and highly acclaimed educators, Rabbi Levene has performed “The Four Faces of Israel” which he wrote and directs, throughout Israel, North America, Britain and even Moscow.

Rabbi Benjamin Levene is the grandson of Reb Aryeh Levin z’’l, known as the Zadik of Jerusalem for his legendary love for all Jews. Born and educated in the USA, Benji made Aliya in 1969, received his ordination from Israel’s Chief Rabbinate and joined Gesher in 1978.  He was privileged to light one of the torches in the Memorial Day ceremony on Mt. Herzi, representing the theme of “the unity of Israel”, the goal to which he has dedicated his life. 

For more information about Rabbi Levene and “The Four Faces of Israel” , contact Judith Bensusan at judithb@gesher.co.il tel: (646) 465 9301 (USA) or 02 622 8010 (Israel)