Rabbi Berkowitz officiated our eldest daughter's baby naming in 2014. She made the whole process easy and provided us with a beautiful ceremony. She was able to include all important family members and made the ceremony feel very intimate. We can't wait to have her name our youngest daughter this fall!" |
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One of my deepest passions is creating meaningful life-cycle experiences for individuals, couples, and families. Whether we are developing a welcoming ritual for an infant, a wedding ceremony for a couple, or a memorial service for a loved one, I spend time learning your story so that we can design a service that reflects who you are.
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I am certified in premarital counseling through Prepare-Enrich and Yours, Mine and Ours, a guide for Jewish and interfaith couples to explore the spiritual nature of the home they are building together. I am registered as an officiant in New York City and its boroughs. I am an approved officiant for both 18Doors (Previously InterfaithFamily) and UnOrthodox Celebrations.
I believe that b’nai mitzvah and conversions are best celebrated within the context of a loving and supportive Jewish community. Come explore Congregation Kol Ami and see if it is the right place for you!
Testimonials
Having Leah as our officiant was one of the best decisions we made while planning our wedding. With the added challenge of working with us long-distance, she helped us craft a ceremony that reflected our love, our values, and our relationship to the Jewish tradition. Her counseling sessions were so valuable for understanding the commitments we were about to make to each other. She was patient, kind, open-minded, and good-humored throughout the entire process, and our families and friends could not stop commenting on how breathtakingly beautiful the ceremony (and her singing!) was. We would absolutely recommend her services, and cannot thank her enough for being such an integral part of our wedding day."
Josh and Mandy Albert, married September 4, 2016
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In 2012, after almost 2 decades together, Ivy and I decided that it was finally time to make it legal. Legislation in North Carolina barred us from having a civil marriage so we decided on a defiantly joyful union under the chuppah as per the laws of Moses and Israel. Our years together meant that we were able to opt out of the usual pre-marital counseling, but Rabbi Berkowitz – being Rabbi Berkowitz! – of course made sure to provide us with relevant materials and references that were thought-provoking and worthwhile, even for a couple as seasoned as ourselves. A wedding really does touch on all of the senses and, for us, one of the highlights was hearing the Sheva Brachot chanted by Rabbi Berkowitz. Her clear and soaring soprano enveloped us, uniting us in a way that we can’t really describe; the memory still brings goosebumps. " |
Rabbi Leah was a pleasure to work with throughout our engagement year and on our wedding day. She took the time to have several sessions with us before the wedding and facilitated meaningful conversations between us around the way we want to practice Judaism and/or keep traditions in our home. She also took a modern approach, keeping in mind equal rights for women, which we appreciated. Rabbi Leah brought smiles, positive energy, and warmth to our ceremony. She also has a beautiful singing voice! We would definitely recommend her to other couples." |
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Jon and I were absolutely thrilled with our ketubah signing ceremony and marriage ceremony. Rabbi Berkowitz created a welcoming environment for those familiar and unfamiliar with Jewish customs and traditions. The ceremony was true to the two of us, and our families. The ceremony added a depth and sanctity to our wedding (and the beginning of our marriage), just in the way we had hoped."
Rachel and Jon Hirschberger, married May 28, 2017
Planning our wedding with Leah was an amazing experience. She listened intently to us and to our families, and she planned the wedding ceremony to both take account of our preferences and to celebrate our love for each other, family, and Jewish tradition. As we stood under the chuppah, Leah created a spirit of warmth and inclusiveness that encompassed everyone in the room. She is an incredible writer who brought that touch to the ceremony, drawing everyone in as she told the story of our love and our relationship. Her poise and presence are remarkable. |