Rabbi Leigh Lerner, a longtime religious leader known for his advocacy of inclusivity and social justice, died on September 5 in Las Vegas at the age of 81. His passing was due to complications from a stroke. Lerner served as the senior rabbi at Temple Emanu-El-Beth-Sholom in Westmount, Quebec, until his retirement in 2012, after which he held the title of Rabbi Emeritus.
Born in Fort Snelling, Minnesota, in 1945, Lerner was the son of David and Edith Lerner. Though initially encouraged by his mother to pursue medicine, he shifted his focus to English literature before ultimately entering the rabbinate. He was ordained in 1972 by the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, launching a career marked by progressive religious leadership and dedication to community activism.
Lerner’s approach to the rabbinate emphasized open dialogue, social engagement, and a broad definition of faith that welcomed participation from all individuals, regardless of background or identity. Early in his career, while serving at Mount Zion Temple in St. Paul, Minnesota, he officiated in what is recognized as Minnesota’s first interfaith wedding in 1977. At Temple Emanu-El-Beth-Sholom in Montreal, he was a pioneer in officiating same-sex civil unions and marriages after their legalization, reflecting his commitment to LGBTQ rights.
Beyond his synagogue leadership, Lerner was involved in interfaith initiatives and community dialogue. He served on the advisory council of the Across Boundaries Multifaith Institute and held leadership roles in both the Montreal Christian Jewish Dialogue and the Montreal Muslim Jewish Dialogue. He advocated strongly for interreligious dialogue as a tool to bridge gaps of understanding among diverse faith communities.
Lerner was also known for his public presence, participating annually in Montreal’s Pride parades for more than two decades. His successor at Temple Emanu-El-Beth-Sholom praised him for fostering “radical inclusivity” and building a resilient community amid the unique pressures facing the only Reform congregation in the city.
A memorable episode in his life came in 1983 when he traveled to the Soviet Union with fellow rabbi Bob Alper to meet with Jewish refuseniks denied emigration rights. The trip was described by Alper as a profound and dangerous experience that underscored Lerner’s courage and deep commitment to Jewish peoplehood.
Lerner’s contributions were recognized in 2012 with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his service to the Canadian community. After retiring, he split time between Montreal, Italy—where he learned Italian to continue his ministry—and Las Vegas, where he ultimately settled to avoid harsh winters.
He is survived by his wife, Loren Lerner; daughters Meredith Bloom and Sasha Lerner; stepsons Sam and Daniel Singer; sister Trudie Lerner; half-brother Terry Brashem; and four grandchildren.
Lerner’s legacy is defined by his steadfast dedication to social justice, interfaith understanding, and an inclusive vision of Judaism that sought to engage with the evolving challenges of his times.