If you're thinking of converting to Judaism: Completion of the Intro Program fulfills the learning requirements for conversion of the Rabbinical Assembly of America. Once you finish the course requirements and secure a sponsoring rabbi, you are eligible to become officially part of the Jewish People. If you're already Jewish: Whether you were born Jewish but never quite learned what it’s all about, you’re back after a long hiatus, or you’re just looking for a deeper understanding of your heritage, most of us could use a bit of a refresher. Jews from all walks of life enroll in the program: from people who had a Jewish day school education to those whose strongest connection was the annual box of matza on the kitchen counter. Topic: 2022 Miller Introduction to Judaism Sundays, Starting January 23, 2022 Time: 11:45 AM – 1:15 PM Pacific Time Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89104655894?pwd=MHZ5clB6alBzYjBMZkIzWXllcndiZz09 Meeting ID: 891 0465 5894 Passcode: 228084

I am typically in my office at Temple Sholom of Ontario on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:15 am - 1:15 pm. I am typically available unless I have a pre-arranged appointment or commitment.

Shmini Atzeret (Eighth Day of Assembly) for Hebrew Year 5781 begins at sundown on Friday, 9 October 2020 and ends at nightfall on Saturday, 10 October 2020. Shemini Atzeret (שמיני עצרת - "the Eighth [day] of Assembly") is a Jewish holiday. It is celebrated on the 22nd day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei (first month of calendar). In the Diaspora, an additional day is celebrated, the second day being separately referred to as Simchat Torah. In Israel and Reform Judaism, the holidays of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are combined into a single day and the names are used interchangeably.

Parashat Noach 5787 / פָּרָשַׁת נֹחַ 17 October 2026 / 6 Cheshvan 5787 10-Minute Torah on YouTube Parashat Noach is the 2nd weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. Torah Portion: Genesis 6:9-11:32 Noach (“Noah”) begins as God decides to destroy mankind with a flood. At God’s command, the righteous Noah builds an ark, where Noah, his family, and select animals survive the flood. Noah’s children bear children, and several generations develop. God confounds the speech of people building the Tower of Babel. [1] Triennial year 2 1: 8:15-22 · 8 p’sukim p. 31 - 32 2: 9:1-7 · 7 p’sukim p. 32 - 33 3: 9:8-17 · 10 p’sukim p. 33 - 34 4: 9:18-29 · 12 p’sukim p. 34 - 35 5: 10:1-14 · 14 p’sukim p. 35 - 37 6: 10:15-20 · 6 p’sukim p. 37 7: 10:21-32 · 12 p’sukim p. 37 - 38 maf: 11:29-32 · 4 p’sukim p. 40 Haftarah for Ashkenazim: Isaiah 54:1-55:5 · 22 p’sukim p. 41 - 44 Commentary and Divrei Torah Sefaria OU Torah Rabbi Sacks z”l Jewish Theological Seminary Noach was righteous in his generation. Was it only in his generation which was so bad it didn’t take much? Or was he really righteous? After all, when G-d told him he was going to flood out humanity and that he should build an ark to save his family and animals, Noach didn’t complain the way Abraham will, right? Or maybe he knew what humanity was doing and didn’t see the point…. Anyway, Noach and his family become the new progenitors of the human race. After a year or so cooped up in the ark, they alight on dry land and start rebuilding. The first thing Noah does is plant a vineyard and make wine and celebrate. Debauchery. Canaan, Ham’s son sees him naked and laughs. Shem and Japheth respect his dignity and cover him up without looking. So this portion is a tale of morality and respect. Humanity was wiped out due to their disrespect and disregard for justice. It’s too bad we actually need a system of justice and can’t just always choose to do the right thing. Let’s consider this as we move through 5787. Parashat Noaj 5787 / פָּרָשַׁת נֹחַ 17 de octubre de 2026 / 6 de Jeshván de 5787 Parashat Noaj es la segunda porción semanal de la Torá en el ciclo anual de lectura de la Torá. Porción de la Torá: Génesis 6:9-11:32 Noaj («Noé») comienza cuando Dios decide destruir a la humanidad mediante un diluvio. Por mandato divino, el justo Noé construye un arca, en la cual él, su familia y animales seleccionados sobreviven al diluvio. Los hijos de Noé tienen descendencia y se desarrollan varias generaciones. Dios confunde el lenguaje de las personas que construían la Torre de Babel. [1] Año 2 del ciclo trienal 1: 8:15-22 · 8 versículos p. 31 - 32 2: 9:1-7 · 7 versículos p. 32 - 33 3: 9:8-17 · 10 versículos p. 33 - 34 4: 9:18-29 · 12 versículos p. 34 - 35 5: 10:1-14 · 14 versículos p. 35 - 37 6: 10:15-20 · 6 versículos p. 37 7: 10:21-32 · 12 versículos p. 37 - 38 maf: 11:29-32 · 4 versículos p. 40 Haftará para asquenazíes: Isaías 54:1-55:5 · 22 versículos p. 41 - 44 Noé fue justo en su generación. ¿Lo fue solo porque su generación era tan mala que no hacía falta mucho para destacar? ¿O era verdaderamente justo? Al fin y al cabo, cuando Dios le dijo que iba a anegar a la humanidad y que debía construir un arca para salvar a su familia y a los animales, Noé no protestó como lo haría más tarde Abraham, ¿verdad? O tal vez sabía lo que la humanidad estaba haciendo y no le veía mucho sentido... En cualquier caso, Noé y su familia se convierten en los nuevos progenitores de la raza humana. Tras pasar cerca de un año confinados en el arca, desembarcan en tierra firme y comienzan a reconstruir. Lo primero que hace Noé es plantar un viñedo, elaborar vino y celebrar. El desenfreno. Canaán, el hijo de Cam, lo ve desnudo y se ríe. Sem y Jafet respetan su dignidad y lo cubren sin mirar. Así pues, esta porción es una historia sobre la moralidad y el respeto. La humanidad fue aniquilada debido a su falta de respeto y a su desprecio por la justicia. Es una lástima que realmente necesitemos un sistema de justicia y no podamos simplemente optar siempre por hacer lo correcto. Reflexionemos sobre esto a medida que avanzamos por el año 5787.

“My dear community, As we navigate the sacred intensity of the High Holidays, I want to share a brief but essential reflection. When my mind is heavy with the weight of prayers and sermons, it is my wife who keeps me grounded and on track. In our tradition, a Rebbetzin is never just the rabbi’s spouse—she is a foundational pillar of the community in her own right. During this peak season, she is my complete partner. She handles the invisible chaos and offers deep insight, allowing me to serve you to the best of my ability. Our sages speak of a partner as an ezer kenegdo—a strength and a counterpart. I can stand before you and lead only because she stands beside me, lifting me up with grace. Please join me in thanking her for everything she gives of her own heart and soul to our congregation. Querida comunidad: Mientras transitamos la sagrada intensidad de las Altas Fiestas, deseo compartir una reflexión breve pero esencial. Cuando siento el peso de las oraciones y los sermones, es mi esposa quien me mantiene con los pies en la tierra y enfocado en lo importante. En nuestra tradición, una Rebbetzin nunca es simplemente la esposa del rabino; ​​es, por derecho propio, un pilar fundamental de la comunidad. Durante esta época tan intensa, ella es mi compañera incondicional: gestiona el caos invisible y aporta una profunda sabiduría, permitiéndome servirles de la mejor manera posible. Nuestros sabios describen a la pareja como ezer kenegdo: una fuente de fortaleza y un complemento esencial. Solo puedo estar ante ustedes y guiarlos porque ella está a mi lado, sosteniéndome con gracia. Por favor, acompáñenme a agradecerle todo lo que entrega de su propio corazón y alma a nuestra congregación. Shalom v'Tzelachah, Rabbi Stephen Epstein Temple Sholom of Ontario 951-526-4012 Mobile rabbi@templesholomofontario.org

Parashat Bereshit 5787 / פָּרָשַׁת בְּרֵאשִׁית 10 October 2026 / 29 Tishrei 5787 10-Minute Torah on YouTube Parashat Bereshit is the 1st weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. Torah Portion: Genesis 1:1-6:8 Bereshit (“In the Beginning”) is the first parashah in the annual Torah reading cycle, which restarts at the beginning of the book of Genesis. The reading begins with God’s creation of the world. The first people, Adam and Eve, eat from the Tree of Knowledge and are then banished from the Garden of Eden. Their elder son, Cain, kills their younger son, Abel, and Cain is destined to a life of wandering. [1] Triennial year 2 1: 2:4-9 · 6 p’sukim p. 6 - 8 2: 2:10-19 · 10 p’sukim p. 8 - 9 Judy Grabiner 3: 2:20-25 · 6 p’sukim p. 9 -10 4: 3:1-21 · 21 p’sukim p. 10 - 13 5: 3:22-24 · 3 p’sukim p. 13 6: 4:1-18 · 18 p’sukim p. 13 - 15 7: 4:19-26 · 8 p’sukim p. 15 - 16 maf: 6:5-8 · 4 p’sukim p. 19- 20 Haftarah*: I Samuel 20:18-42 · 25 p’sukim *Shabbat Machar Chodesh p. 948 - 950 Judy Grabiner Commentary and Divrei Torah Sefaria OU Torah Rabbi Sacks z”l Jewish Theological Seminary Consider that the book of Genesis sets up the introduction of Moshe Rabbeinu, Moses, our teacher. As our first prophet, he leads Israel away from bondage into freedom of worshipping Hashem and establishing a covenant with him. This sets the stage of developing our heritage of what we now call Judaism. Let’s consider that our triennial year 2 reading of the parashat of Genesis sets up our human society. We have the first two human mortals, Adam and Eve, who become husband and wife, and have kids. They are farmers of sorts, first in the Garden of Eden and then outside the land after being banished for eating the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge. We also, besides farming, have animal herding from which we get milk, butter and wool (no meat eating allowed yet). Unfortunately we have murder, and justice, of course after Cain kills Abel out of jealousy. Banished, Cain sets up cities. We have families being established as well, the basis of any society. Through the next seven or eight generations, we have weapons, musical instruments and farm tools. Isn’t it interesting that all this happens in the midst of tragedy? As the bearers of these legacies, we study Torah to recognize these failings and work hard to make sure we dedicate ourselves to improving humankind and society. Good work to consider after our High Holidays. Parashat Bereshit 5787 / פָּרָשַׁת בְּרֵאשִׁית 10 de octubre de 2026 / 29 de Tishrei de 5787 Parashat Bereshit es la primera porción semanal de la Torá en el ciclo anual de lectura de la Torá. Porción de la Torá: Génesis 1:1-6:8 Bereshit («En el principio») es la primera parashá del ciclo anual de lectura de la Torá, que se reinicia al comienzo del libro del Génesis. La lectura comienza con la creación del mundo por parte de Dios. Los primeros seres humanos, Adán y Eva, comen del Árbol del Conocimiento y posteriormente son expulsados ​​del Jardín del Edén. Su hijo mayor, Caín, mata a su hijo menor, Abel, y Caín queda condenado a una vida de vagabundeo. [1] Año 2 del ciclo trienal 1: 2:4-9 · 6 versículos pág. 6 - 8 2: 2:10-19 · 10 versículos pág. 8 - 9 Judy Grabiner 3: 2:20-25 · 6 versículos pág. 9 - 10 4: 3:1-21 · 21 versículos pág. 10 - 13 5: 3:22-24 · 3 versículos pág. 13 6: 4:1-18 · 18 versículos pág. 13 - 15 7: 4:19-26 · 8 versículos pág. 15 - 16 maf: 6:5-8 · 4 versículos pág. 19 - 20 Haftará*: I Samuel 20:18-42 · 25 versículos *Shabat Majar Jodesh pág. 948 - 950 Judy Grabiner Consideremos que el libro del Génesis prepara el escenario para la presentación de Moshé Rabenu —Moisés, nuestro maestro—. Como nuestro primer profeta, él guía a Israel para salir de la esclavitud hacia la libertad de adorar a Hashem y establecer una alianza con Él. Esto sienta las bases para el desarrollo de nuestro legado: lo que hoy llamamos judaísmo. Consideremos también que la lectura de la parashá del Génesis —correspondiente al segundo año del ciclo trienal— establece los cimientos de nuestra sociedad humana. En ella encontramos a los dos primeros seres humanos, Adán y Eva, quienes se convierten en marido y mujer y tienen hijos. Se dedican a una suerte de agricultura: primero en el Jardín del Edén y luego fuera de esa tierra, tras ser expulsados ​​por comer del fruto del Árbol del Conocimiento. Además de la agricultura, surge el pastoreo de animales, fuente de leche, mantequilla y lana (aunque todavía no está permitido el consumo de carne). Lamentablemente, también surgen el asesinato y la justicia, concretamente cuando Caín mata a Abel por celos. Tras ser desterrado, Caín funda ciudades. Asimismo, se establecen familias, que constituyen la base de cualquier sociedad. A lo largo de las siguientes siete u ocho generaciones, aparecen las armas, los instrumentos musicales y las herramientas agrícolas. ¿No resulta interesante que todo esto ocurra en medio de la tragedia? Como depositarios de estos legados, estudiamos la Torá para reconocer tales fallos y nos esforzamos por dedicarnos a mejorar la humanidad y la sociedad. Es una labor valiosa para reflexionar tras nuestras Altas Fiestas.

As a modern rabbi, I apply classic, traditional Jewish principles to modern times, focusing on spiritual inspiration. Background RABBI August 2020 - Present Rabbi Temple Sholom of Ontario , Ontario, CA Serving as the religious leader of this Conservative synagogue affiliated with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. The beginning of my practice was during the COVID epidemic. I led services mostly via Zoom. I continue to lead my congregation in the midst of the worst anitsemitism since the Holocaust. As the membership had shrunk over the years, I worked to keep the synagogue engaged with activities and growing. I organized and teach weekly Religious school on Sundays in person and B'nai Mitzvah training. I now conduct live services each Shabbat accompanying myself with guitar on Friday nights. I conduct the Miller Course , Introduction to Judaism once or twice a year, and arrange conversion ceremonies. I conduct an Advanced Hebrew Class in which we review the Hebrew for the upcoming triennial Torah portion with congregants who are the gabbais. I have participated in events with other local synagogues and am active in community outreach, giving invocations at various local government functions. In conducting live services, I read directly from Torah and usually chant the Haftorah. I also officiate at wedding ceremonies, many of which were "mixed" and interfaith, and funerals for both congregants and non-congregants. These past High Holidays, I also served as cantor for Rosh Hashannah and Yom Kippur using the appropriate nusach as well as the other festivals. Ordained Rabbi Independent Congregation/"Shteibel" Lake Elsinore, CA September 2019 – August 2020 Leading independent, non-affiliated Conservative congregation. Conducting High Holiday and Shabbat services. Serving the community conducting Life Events for affiliated and non-affiliated, traditional and inter-faith couples. Ordained Rabbi Congregation B’nai Chaim Murrieta, CA July, 2017 – August, 2019 Lay Rabbi/Religious Leader Congregation B’nai Chaim Murrieta, CA July, 2014 – June, 2017 Conducting regular Friday night and Saturday morning services for Conservative Congregation. Services are accompanied by my guitar playing which has lead to other congregants accompanying me playing violin and guitar as well. I officiate Family Services once a month in which our students from our school lead the service. Leading High Holiday services chanting appropriate nusach. Conduct holiday services that fall on New Moon and other holidays. Able to read directly from Torah scroll. Familiarity with both Torah and Haftorah cantillations. Trained four adults in Hebrew and Torah chanting for first all-adult B’nai Mitzvot conducted for Saturday Shabbat Mincha-Ma’ariv. Have trained numerous B’nai Mitzvot for both traditional Haftorah and Maftir Torah. Taught Hebrew and Prayers & Torah Classes for Adults. Currently teaching Hebrew school class for B’nai Mitzvot students. Have organized many events for synagogue including NJOP’s Shabbat Across America 2019 with Rebbetzin. Active in fund raising for the synagogue. Since I became rabbi two years ago, membership has more than doubled. -Continuously studying Artscroll (Orthodox) and Soncino (Conservative) Chumashes. -Studying Talmud for 15 years as part of “Daf Yomi” program using the Artscroll Talmud Series -Studied Kabbalah reading Zohar edited by David Matt -Consistently pray all three services daily including tefillin during secular mornings. PART OF "BEIT DIN"/RABBINICAL TEAM September 2007 – June 2012 Canyon Lake, CA Co-lead lay congregation for "Conservadox" congregation. Participated in leading Shabbat and High Holiday services, including reading Torah and Haftorah. Also conducted periodic Sunday morning themed Talmud studies on various topics such as the Role of Women in Judaism and Astrology. CONGREGATION MEMBER J une 1999 - June 2007 Murrieta, CA Served on board for seven years including President of the congregation for two years. Also assisted rabbi’s in conducting services and substituting during their absences. Conducted Torah study for adults. Instituted and led once-a-month Shabbat Shachrit junior congregation. PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN February, 1986 -December, 1991 Served on Nursing staff of psychiatric facility. Individual and group counseling activities; assistant charge nurse. Worked with variety of demographics: adolescent behavior and chemical dependency; adult chemical dependency; eating disorders; personality disorders including multiple personality disorders; psychotic and delusional disorders. EDUCATION Rabbinical Ordination, Rabbinical Seminary International, New York, NY June 2017 MBA, Business Management University of Redlands, Redlands, CA BA, Psychology State University of New York, College at Oswego AS, Psychiatric Technology Saddleback Community College, Mission Viejo, CA

At ModernRabbiShmuel, I officate at all Jewish Life Cycle Events including traditional and non-traditional, affiliated and non-affiliated, and Jewish and Interfaith. Personalized and meaningful services for lasting, beautiful memories. https://www.modernrabbistephen.com Top of Page Upcoming Events Shabbat Times Services New Blog Videos Upcoming Events Upcoming Events Multiple Dates Friday Night Shabbat Ma'ariv Service Fri, Oct 09 Temple Sholom of Ontario More info RSVP Multiple Dates Saturday Morning Shabbat Shacharit Service Sat, Oct 10 Temple Sholom of Ontario More info RSVP Multiple Dates Miller Course, Introduction to Judaism Sun, Oct 11 Zoom More info RSVP Multiple Dates Adult Hebrew Class II Sun, Oct 11 Temple Sholom of Ontario More info RSVP 2026 Jewish Federation Book Festival Sun, Oct 25 Temple Sholom of Ontario More info RSVP New Blog NewBlog The Rebbetzin Rabbi Stephen Epstein Sep 29 2 min read D'var Torah for Parashat Bereishit 5787 Rabbi Stephen Epstein Sep 29 4 min read D'var Torah for Simchat Torah 2026 / שִׂמְחַת תּוֹרָה 5787 V'Zot HaBerachah Rabbi Stephen Epstein Sep 8 3 min read D'var Torah for Parashat Ha’azinu 5787 Rabbi Stephen Epstein Sep 1 4 min read D'var Torah for Rabbi Stephen Epstein Aug 25 4 min read D'var Torah for Parasha Ki Tavo 5786 Rabbi Stephen Epstein Aug 14 3 min read Services Services Offered Rabbi Stephen S. Epstein A Modern Conservative Rabb i Baby Naming Bar & Bat Mitzvot Spiritual Counseling Individualized Torah Study Funerals & Memorials Conversions Weddings Videos All Videos All Categories Play Video Play Video 06:41 Rabbi Stephen Epstein (Rav Shmuel) TSO Dancing with the Torot Simchat Torah 5787 Erev Simchat Torah, congregation of Temple Sholom of Ontario dancing with our Torahs. Play Video Play Video 09:00 Rabbi Stephen Epstein (Rav Shmuel) Sermon for Shabbat Shmini Atzeret 5787 (2 October 2026) Overcoming adversity to succeed in the New Year Play Video Play Video 10:58 Rabbi Stephen Epstein (Rav Shmuel) Parashat Bereishit 5787 (10 October 2026) Beginning of triennial year 2. New Year's resolutions for real; made in G-d's image. Growing through adversity. Play Video Play Video 36:59 Rabbi Stephen Epstein (Rav Shmuel) Adult Hebrew II Shmini Atzeret 5787 Reviewing the upcoming portion for Shmini Atzeret/Shabbat 5787 Play Video Play Video 04:50 Rabbi Stephen Epstein (Rav Shmuel) How to Shake the Lulav and Etrog for Sukkot Taking you through shaking the Lulav and Etrog for Sullot during Hallel Play Video Play Video 08:03 Rabbi Stephen Epstein (Rav Shmuel) Friday Night Sermon for Shabbat Sukkot (25 September 2026) Hashem (G-d) putting a "Sukkot" (tent/covering) around us. The fragility of life and how to navigate. Load More Videos Shabbat Times

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