Rabbi Steven Rein received his rabbinic ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary in May, 2009. He also earned an M.A. in Talmud and Rabbinics from the Graduate School at JTS. He comes to P.A.S. with a diversified background that includes extensive work with people of all ages. He has taught adult education, officiated at lifecycle events, designed and led teen classes, counseled United States Air Force personnel being deployed to Iraq, led preschool Shabbat programs, and conducted creative and engaging High Holy Day services. Born and raised in Fairfield, NJ, Rabbi Rein always thought he would be a doctor. In college, while dating his now wife, Jodi, he discovered that her study of Bible and Talmud interested him more than the courses he was taking in chemistry. He switched gears and graduated with a minor in chemistry and a major in Jewish history and civilization. He then married Jodi, who is now a reading specialist and teacher at the Solomon Schechter Day School of Bergen County, New Jersey. Rabbi Rein and Jodi welcomed their first child, Ari Lev, in October 2010. While he attended rabbinic school, Rabbi Rein was commissioned in 2005 as a reserve chaplain in the United States Air Force. He has since served our nation’s airmen at Hanscom AFB, MA, the United States Air Force Academy, CO, and Wright Patterson AFB, OH. Rabbi Rein was promoted as a First Lieutenant in August 2009 and continues to serve as a chaplain at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, DC. “The opportunity to serve as a visible reminder of the Holy while ensuring Air Force members and their families are able to exercise their constitutional right to freedom of religion is an honor and a privilege”. During his years at JTS, Rabbi Rein held student pulpits at Shir Chadash Conservative Congregation in Metairie, LA; Congregation Beth Emeth in Herndon, VA; and the Fitzgerald Hebrew Congregation in Fitzgerald, GA. Despite spending time in the south, Steven is a New Yorker at heart and an avid New York Yankees fan. He hopes to draw on his diverse experiences in congregational life and chaplaincy as he serves the PAS community. As a rabbinical student, Rabbi Rein was honored with numerous scholarships and awards, including being named a Legacy Heritage Rabbinic Fellow, receiving the Rabbi Albert Pappenheim Prize in Professional Skills, and being awarded the National Defense Service Medal by the United States Air Force. Joining the P.A.S. family in July, 2009, Rabbi Rein is thrilled to serve a vibrant, historic congregation that values not only worship and study but also social action. He and Jodi are excited to grow, learn, and develop meaningful relationships with the Park Avenue community.

Click here to read Rabbi Rein's sermons.