From The Peopling of New York City

Leon Rosenbaum

Leon Rosenbaum was born on November 12, 1961 in Ukraine. At the time, the vast Soviet Empire controlled even his western-most town. His father was involved in trades and was successful. The town itself was not particularly Jewish, however it did have a small Jewish community. Because practicing the religion was prohibited under Soviet rule, his family along with other Jewish families rented apartments to worship.

When he was 14 years old, he along with his mother and sister immigrated to America, New York City to be precise. His father had passed away one year earlier, prompting the move. Much of his family had already moved there and set up shop, so getting used to the new land was for the most part not difficult. He lived in Borough Park through his teens, and attended Yeshiva Torah Vodaath. His family feared the diversity and sheer size of public schools. The small town in which everyone knows everyone was so ingrained in their make-up that they couldn't imagine sending Leon to a public institution. He remembers his grandfather telling his mother that if he were to go to a public school she would lose him forever.

He graduated early, and afterward attended Brooklyn College. After class he worked at a kosher supermarket. There, he learned invaluable skills and life lessons. Leon still keeps in touch with many of the customers and frequent idlers of the store. On the Sabbath he attended synagogue with his grandfather and uncles. He was not religious back in Ukraine, but here he took advantage of the religious freedom.

Today he lives in Midwood with his wife and three children. He visits his local synagogue daily for morning prayers. His children attended Yeshivah of Flatbush, also located in the Midwood area. He is involved in several charities and both in the synagogue and out. He has worked for Fidelity Investments for over 20 years in Downtown Manhattan. He spends his summers in the Pocono Mountains, where many other Jewish Immigrants also summer.