Caren Leven was recently named the new executive director of the Baltimore Zionist District.
According to the organization’s website (bzdisrael.org), the Pikesville-based BZD’s mission is to “foster knowledge and understanding of the State of Israel, to facilitate dialogue, to raise awareness, and to advocate for a secure future for Israel.”
Prior to coming to the BZD, Leven – who is fluent in both English and Hebrew — spent five years as the director of congregational engagement at Temple Oheb Shalom.
At the Pikesville congregation, she led community outreach efforts and created, revamped and implemented hundreds of community-based, marketing campaigns. Working with volunteers and lay leadership, she significantly grew membership during her tenure.
In addition, Leven has extensive experience in sales and account management.
“I was attracted to the [BZD] because Israel holds a very special place in my heart,” she said. “I was born and raised in Haifa and came to the United States when I was 10 years old — exactly 30 years ago. Although I have spent most of my life here, a piece of me was left behind. Now, my life has come full circle”
A graduate of Towson University with a bachelor’s degree in communications and a minor in marketing, Leven lives in Pikesville with her husband, Jon, their two children, Ayden and Ava, and their dog, Lulu.
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