Rabbi Leonard Helman

Rabbi Helman has been the spiritual leader of Congregation Beit Tikva since our founding in 1995.

Walking in downtown Santa Fe with Rabbi Helman is an enlightening experience, for every third or fourth person you pass greets him and stops to tell a joke, ask him about a legal procedure, or check on his standing in the latest bridge tournament.

On any given day, he can be seen at St. Vincent's Hospital, visiting and comforting ailing congregants, friends, and casual acquaintences. He has officiated at numerous joyous events, such as Bar/Bat Mitzvahs and weddings as well as more sobering events such as funerals and memorial services. In any event he is ever the poised cleric, inspiring us with his uplifting sermons and his understated dignity.

Besides helping his congregants through the joys and crises of our lives, Rabbi Helman has served as a New Mexico State Judge and chaplain to the State Legislature. He is not only at home speaking to interfaith groups, but (unusual for a reform rabbi) he often helps make up the minyan at our local orthodox congregation--and he is an internationally renowned contract bridge mavin.