I was thinking about Rabbi Leynor today. Then found this. Shocked to find out he left us. He was such a kind, gentle person. What a blessing he was to me and to everyone.
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Jeffery Bart Leynor was born March 19, 1953 in Newark, New Jersey to Phillip and Evelyn (Tassler) Leynor. He grew up in South Orange, New Jersey, with his brother Neal and sister Brenna; his father a doctor, his mother a social worker, his grandfather a Rabbi. After graduation from high school, Jeffrey went to Hiram College in Ohio to pursue a pre-med major. While home for the summer, he met up with his high school buddies and created their band "The Stanky Brown Group," playing rock & roll together. They would go onto open for groups such as The Eagles, Beach Boys, Jefferson Starship, Doobie Brothers, and many more! Realizing that being in the music business was not going to pay the bills, Jeffrey returned to his roots and the values his parents instilled in him.
He remembered rabbis being on both sides of the family and sought counsel from his rabbi, Yechiel Orenstein who informed him of the requirements to pursue this endeavor, and so began his journey to the rabbinate. While at Rutgers, he met a professor who would influence him and encourage his growth. He traveled to Israel, studied religion, philosophy, languages, and Jewish studies. He graduated from Rutgers in 1983, Magna Cum Laude amongst other accolades. He then went on to attend the Jewish Theological Seminary College in New York, as well as seminary classes at Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
Rabbi Leynor was ordained as a rabbi in 1989 and came to Richardson, Texas to take a position at Congregation Beth Torah, where he served for 16 years.
He also taught classes at the Jewish Community Center, became a Chaplain for Plano Police and Fire Departments, and a Victim Chaplain with Dallas Police Department. He was a Pastoral Care Specialist, Suicide Intervention Trainer, a PTSD De-briefer, a Bereavement Counselor, and most recently a hospice chaplain for Legacy at Willowbend.
Jeffrey had two children, Perry and Keri, from his first marriage to Barbara. Later, he married the love of his life, Karen in 2001, gaining another son, Austin. He absolutely adored his wife and children and was heartbroken when Karen passed away suddenly in 2004. He made it a point to continue "living life" by devoting himself to his children and to the many community outreach programs he was a part of. He was unique, special, had a way with people, never met a stranger, and always had an ear to lend.
He touched so many, including marrying those that other Rabbis would not in the LGBTQ community and Interfaith couples. It was his second mission in life to help all. From cradle to grave, from simchas to shivas, Jeffrey was always there to lead the way. He underestimated the number of people he helped, and the many people who loved him as a result. He helped so many. His sage advice always offered a different perspective. He was a gentle soul and will be missed tremendously.
May his memory always be for a blessing to others.
Services
Graveside
Sep
18
Friday
Hillcrest Memorial Park
7405 W. Northwest Hwy.
Dallas, TX, United States 75225
Dallas, TX, United States 75225
Rabbi Elana Zelony to officiate.
Due to Covid Restrictions, for those joining us at graveside, please remember to wear a mask and practice social distancing. There will be limited space under the covered tent, reserved for Rabbi and the immediate family.
We are also offering live stream so you can attend virtually.
LEYNOR Virtual Service
Fri, Sep 18, 2020 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM (CDT)
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. Please remember to "mute" your microphones and turn "off" your cameras during the live stream. Also, change your "view" at the top of your screen to "view who's talking." This will allow our view to be the biggest screen during the live stream.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/627755557
Please understand this is a way for you to virtually attend, this is not a high end production crew, just simply our USB camera and hot spot. Sometimes the Wifi signal will fluctuate and cause a delay, please be understanding of this.
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (872) 240-3212
Access Code: 627-755-557
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/627755557
Memorial Service - Virtual
Sep
21
Monday
Rabbi Jeffrey Leynor’s Memorial Services. Please feel free to share the in-person and virtual (Zoom) information below. If you need physical address(es), please ask and we’ll provide.
We welcome anyone who wishes to attend in person, just be sure to wear a mask and observe social distancing practices as you are able.
• Monday, September 21 at 7PM, outdoors (backyard) at the home of Vikki & Scott Silvis
o Click here for Zoom Link
o Meeting ID: 878 2808 8273
o Password: Leynor
• Tuesday, September 22 at 7PM, outdoors (backyard) at the home of Debbie & John Wills
o Click here for Zoom Link
o Meeting ID: 884 5463 2933
o Password: Leynor
Painful as it is for us/the family, we've all lost someone special. Thank you for joining and supporting us, from near or far, in honoring and remembering Jeffrey—an incredible man and the great life that he lived.
With love and a heavy heart,
Austin Clar
214-537-5070
Memorial Service - Virtual
Sep
22
Tuesday
Passing along details of Rabbi Jeffrey Leynor’s memorial services. Please feel free to share the in-person and virtual (Zoom) information below. If you need physical address(es), please ask and we’ll provide.
We welcome anyone who wishes to attend in person, just be sure to wear a mask and observe social distancing practices as you are able.
• Monday, September 21 at 7PM, outdoors (backyard) at the home of Vikki & Scott Silvis
o Click here for Zoom Link
o Meeting ID: 878 2808 8273
o Password: Leynor
• Tuesday, September 22 at 7PM, outdoors (backyard) at the home of Debbie & John Wills
o Click here for Zoom Link
o Meeting ID: 884 5463 2933
o Password: Leynor
Painful as it is for us/the family, we've all lost someone special. Thank you for joining and supporting us, from near or far, in honoring and remembering Jeffrey—an incredible man and the great life that he lived.
With love and a heavy heart,
Austin Clar
214-537-5070
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