About Dr. Leonard

I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, in a traditionally observant Jewish family. I attended Talmud Torah, YM-YWHA day camps, and Young Judaea's Camp Tel Yehudah. I graduated from New York University and NYU School of Medicine. My internship in Internal Medicine and residency in Ophthalmology were performed at Long Island Jewish – Hillside Medical Center, where I was Chief Resident in Ophthalmology. I have been in practice in South Florida since 1982.

I have always had a deep love and commitment to Judaism, and I have for many years sought to extend my involvement. I am a member of the Board of Directors of Temple Beth Torah Sha'arey Tzedek in Tamarac, Florida, a Conservative synagogue, where I attend weekly Shabbat services and serve as Gabbai. When my grandson was born in 2012, I finally found my niche – a perfect way to combine my surgical skills and medical knowledge with my love of Judaism.

I studied with Rabbi Michael Gold, learning the history and the halacha (Jewish law) of Brit Milah. I was also privileged to train with Dr. Neil Pollock of Vancouver, BC, who has developed a technique for painless circumcision. Since I am both a highly experienced physician and surgeon and a trained Mohelet, I can offer this pain-free option to your family, in order to ensure that your son is as comfortable as possible.

I live in Coral Springs, Florida with my husband, Dr. Arnold Semel. I have two daughters, both physicians, two wonderful sons-in-law and six amazing grandchildren!

I was recently featured in an article in the Jewish Journal.