Rabbi Stephen Stern, Ph.D.: Rabbi Stern joined our congregation in 2023. Stephen retired from his position in Staten Island, New York, where he served as spiritual leader of Arden Heights Boulevard Jewish Center, a Conservative congregation, for 30 years. He holds a Ph.D. in American Studies from Indiana University and taught courses in American and Jewish studies at UCLA for 14 years. On Staten Island he served as Chaplain for Seaview Nursing and Rehabilitation for ten years and Educator for the JCC for eleven. He was active in community life and chaired a committee to foster relationships among synagogues and between synagogues and Jewish organizations. His primary interest is illuminating how Jewish values help us cope with the many global, social, and psychological issues that face us today. He is now enjoying the good life at Latitude Margaritaville in Hardeeville, SC with his wife Irina and their dog Alfie.

You will find Rabbi Stern on the bimah on the 2nd and 4th Shabbats of each month, and also leading Saturday services and lectures on those same weekends. 

Other members of our congregation occasionally lead Shabbat services, as well, and we are so grateful for their commitment to our spiritual development.