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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Expertise and experience to helping your son or daughter prepare for the big day, to make it a positive and memorable experience that will help them grow. B'NAI MITZVOT Expert Tutoring and Training in Preparation for Bar/Bat Mitzvah JEWISH EDUCATION Guiding You On Every Step of the Way Get In Touch BAR MITZVAH Catered to Suit Your Needs Get In Touch Bar/Bat Mitzvah: Service CONTACT RABBI STEPHEN Looking for a Rabbi with profound insight? Call me today and learn more about how you can benefit from my services. Send Your details were sent successfully! Email: ModernRabbiShmuel@gmail.com Phone: 951-526-4012 Bar/Bat Mitzvah: Contact

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Let's make this wonderful event special and incorporate some Yiddishkeit! WEDDING OFFICIATION Traditional | Non-Traditional | Interfaith Weddings: Service MARRIAGE OFFICIATION Traditional | Non-traditional | Interfaith Get In Touch Interested in learning more about the different types of officiations I conduct? Call me today and make your next ceremony a meaningful occasion. Weddings: Portfolio CONTACT RABBI STEPHEN 11 Vista Toscana Lake Elsinore, Riverside County, CA 92532 USA ModernRabbiShmuel@gmail.com 951-526-4012 Send Your details were sent successfully! Weddings: Contact

Officiating at a Wedding for some dear friends

All Posts Torah Commentary Sermons Replay of Live Stream Services Search Rabbi Stephen Epstein 23 hours ago 6 min Shabbat Shalom שבת שלום (March 6, 2023) -Announcements -Candle Lighting Times for Shabbat (Ontario, CA) -Office Hours -This week’s 10-Minute Torah -Purim -Magilla Reading -Adult... 0 0 Post not marked as liked Rabbi Stephen Epstein 3 days ago 5 min This week's 10-Minute Torah (11 March 2023): Parashat Ki Tisa 5783 Parashat Ki Tisa 5783 / פָּרָשַׁת כִּי תִשָּׂא 11 March 2023 / 18 Adar 5783 https://youtu.be/geZ8v9M1flo Parashat Ki Tisa is the 21st... 2 0 Post not marked as liked Rabbi Stephen Epstein 7 days ago 3 min What is antisemitism? Working definition of antisemitism About the IHRA non-legally binding working definition of antisemitism The IHRA is the only... 3 0 Post not marked as liked Rabbi Stephen Epstein Feb 26 6 min Shabbat Shalom שבת שלום (February 27, 2023) -Announcements -Candle Lighting Times for Shabbat (Ontario, CA) -Office Hours -This week’s 10-Minute Torah -Adult Torah Study -Judaic... 3 0 Post not marked as liked Rabbi Stephen Epstein Feb 24 4 min This week's 10-Minute Torah (4 March 2023): Parashat Tetzaveh 5783 Parashat Tetzaveh 5783 / פָּרָשַׁת תְּצַוֶּה 4 March 2023 / 11 Adar 5783 https://youtu.be/xoIIBtuhoA4 Parashat Tetzaveh is the 20th... 9 0 Post not marked as liked Rabbi Stephen Epstein Feb 20 5 min Did God Write the Torah — and Does it Matter? https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/did-god-write-the-torah-and-does-it-matter/?utm_source=mjl_maropost&utm_campaign=MJL&utm_medium=... 5 0 Post not marked as liked Rabbi Stephen Epstein Feb 19 6 min Shabbat Shalom שבת שלום (February 20, 2023) -Announcements -Candle Lighting Times for Shabbat (Ontario, CA) -Office Hours -This week’s 10-Minute Torah -President's Day -Rosh Chodesh... 2 0 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 Rabbi Stephen Epstein Feb 17 3 min This week's 10-Minute Torah (25 February 2023): Parashat Terumah 5783 Parashat Terumah 5783 / פָּרָשַׁת תְּרוּמָה 25 February 2023 / 4 Adar 5783 https://youtu.be/3hcQIxIh1Nk Parashat Terumah is the 19th... 3 0 Post not marked as liked Rabbi Stephen Epstein Feb 12 6 min Shabbat Shalom שבת שלום (February 13, 2023) -Announcements -Candle Lighting Times for Shabbat (Ontario, CA) -Office Hours -This week’s 10-Minute Torah -Adult Torah Study -Judaic... 1 0 Post not marked as liked Rabbi Stephen Epstein Feb 10 4 min 9 Things You Didn’t Know About Shabbat Shabbat Surprising facts about the weekly Jewish day of rest. BY MY JEWISH LEARNING SHABBAT Shabbat, the weekly Jewish day of rest, is so... 2 0 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 Rabbi Stephen Epstein Feb 10 4 min This week's 10-Minute Torah (18 February 2023): Parashat Mishpatim 5783 https://youtu.be/M8HIpSPTeA8 Parashat Mishpatim 5783 / פָּרָשַׁת מִּשְׁפָּטִים 18 February 2023 / 27 Sh'vat 5783 Parashat Mishpatim is... 5 0 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 Rabbi Stephen Epstein Feb 5 6 min Shabbat Shalom שבת שלום (February 6, 2023) -Announcements -Candle Lighting Times for Shabbat (Ontario, CA) -Office Hours -This week’s 10-Minute Torah -Tu B'Shevat -Adult Torah... 2 0 Post not marked as liked Rabbi Stephen Epstein Feb 3 4 min This week's 10-Minute Torah (11 February 2023): Parashat Yitro 5783 https://youtu.be/NTa5Z2h8mlY Parashat Yitro 5783 / פָּרָשַׁת יִתְרוֹ 11 February 2023 / 20 Sh'vat 5783 Parashat Yitro is the 17th weekly... 6 0 Post not marked as liked Rabbi Stephen Epstein Feb 3 3 min Tu Bishvat 101 The "birthday of the trees" is a time for seders, tree-planting and more. BY MY JEWISH LEARNING https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/... 1 0 Post not marked as liked Rabbi Stephen Epstein Jan 30 2 min What is the Star of David? This common symbol for Judaism and Israel is newer than one might think. BY MY JEWISH LEARNING The six-pointed Star of David is a common... 3 0 Post not marked as liked Rabbi Stephen Epstein Jan 29 6 min Shabbat Shalom שבת שלום (January 30, 2023) -Announcements -Candle Lighting Times for Shabbat (Ontario, CA) -Office Hours -This week’s 10-Minute Torah -Adult Torah Study -Judaic... 4 0 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 Rabbi Stephen Epstein Jan 27 4 min This week's 10-Minute Torah (4 February 2023): Parashat Beshalach 5783 https://youtu.be/xxNirKTmkcw Parashat Beshalach 5783 / פָּרָשַׁת בְּשַׁלַּח 4 February 2023 / 13 Sh'vat 5783 Parashat Beshalach is the... 4 0 Post not marked as liked Rabbi Stephen Epstein Jan 25 4 min Woman of Valor MyJewishLearning-Woman of Valor This chapter from the Book of Proverbs can be read as a roadmap to happiness. BY SARA ESTHER CRISPE What... 8 0 Post not marked as liked Rabbi Stephen Epstein Jan 23 6 min The Eight Genders in the Talmud https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/the-eight-genders-in-the-talmud/?utm_source=mjl_maropost&utm_campaign=MJL&utm_medium=email... 18 0 Post not marked as liked Rabbi Stephen Epstein Jan 22 5 min Shabbat Shalom שבת שלום (January 23, 2022) -Announcements -Candle Lighting Times for Shabbat (Ontario, CA) -Office Hours -This week’s 10-Minute Torah -Adult Torah Study -Judaic... 2 0 Post not marked as liked Shabbat Shalom שבת שלום (March 6, 2023) 0 0 Post not marked as liked This week's 10-Minute Torah (11 March 2023): Parashat Ki Tisa 5783 2 0 Post not marked as liked What is antisemitism? 3 0 Post not marked as liked Shabbat Shalom שבת שלום (February 27, 2023) 3 0 Post not marked as liked This week's 10-Minute Torah (4 March 2023): Parashat Tetzaveh 5783 9 0 Post not marked as liked Did God Write the Torah — and Does it Matter? 5 0 Post not marked as liked Shabbat Shalom שבת שלום (February 20, 2023) 2 0 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 This week's 10-Minute Torah (25 February 2023): Parashat Terumah 5783 3 0 Post not marked as liked Shabbat Shalom שבת שלום (February 13, 2023) 1 0 Post not marked as liked

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