Our Rabbi

     Rabbi Stein was born and raised in the suburbs of New York City. He received his BS in Computer Science from Cornell University’s College of Engineering, and worked as a software engineer before returning to school to become a rabbi. Following two years at Brandeis University’s Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership Program, Rabbi Stein enrolled at the Hebrew Union College. Following a year of study in Jerusalem and four years in Cincinnati, he was ordained in 2009.

     As a student, Rabbi Stein served congregations in Rapid City, SD; Grand Junction, CO; and Bristol, TN. Following his ordination, he spent two years as the Campus Rabbi and Community Service Coordinator at Grinnell College in Grinnell, IA. Prior to coming to Roanoke, Rabbi Stein spent over 13 years in Pittsburgh, PA, serving congregations in New Castle, PA; Lima, OH; and White Oak, PA; as well as serving as a community rabbi in and around Pittsburgh.

     Although a product of the Reform movement, Rabbi Stein’s career has spanned the breadth of the Jewish community. His philosophy is very much rooted in the idea of “kol Yisrael aravim zeh lazeh—all Israel is responsible one for another.” As a teacher, spiritual guide, and communal leader, Rabbi Stein seeks to provide those he serves with the tools to effectively participate in the full range of Jewish life both locally and in the wider Jewish world.