‘We have a responsibility to our society to make it the best as

possible’

Angelique Flores

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FOUNTAIN VALLEY -- Congregation B’nai Tzedek Rabbi Stephen J. Einstein

was among 36 rabbis from North America who traveled on an eight-day trip

to Israel, where they met with government officials to speak about the

peace process.

“It’s one of the most modern countries, but with a tremendous history,”

Einstein.

During the visit last month, organized through the Assn. of Reform

Zionists of America, Einstein met with many important Israeli officials.

His group also planted a tree in front of Israel’s Parliament building.

He learned about the country’s booming technology industry, and visited

its large pomelo groves and a popular bird watching area.

Einstein has now started to plan a trip to Israel that he will lead for

his congregation.

“He is a leader, not only because of his obvious intellect and

involvement with the community, but because he is a compassionate, caring

and very ethical person,” said Marc Ecker, superintendent of the Fountain

Valley School District and Einstein’s longtime friend.

Einstein said he feels blessed to have “the wonderful gift of life” from

God.

“I need to do something with it,” Einstein said.

And the rabbi is doing a lot. With a wife, four children and 425 families

in his congregation, Einstein still manages to reach out to those in the

surrounding community.

“He is held in high regard by the community,” Ecker said.

Ecker also works with Einstein in the rabbi’s role as a member of the

school district’s Personnel Commission.

He serves several Jewish organizations, such as the Pacific Assn. of

Reform Rabbis and the Orange County Board of Rabbis, and is a board

member for the American Cancer Society and a member of the Religious

Advisory Committee of the Alzheimer’s Assn. And as member of the Fountain

Valley Police Department’s chaplain program, he rides along with police

officers on emergency calls.

“We have a responsibility to our society to make it the best as

possible,” Einstein said.

But the 54-year-old Einstein, who also served on the Fountain Valley

School District board of directors, is a firm believer in the separation

of church and state.

“My religion teaches me about justice, goodness and compassion,” he said.

“I embrace those qualities and encourage others to embrace them, too.”

Einstein’s open mind has won him respect among such organizations as the

Interfaith Council and Clergy for Choice, where he works closely with

members of different religions. He said he celebrates cultural and

religious differences and said that’s what gives the world texture.

Though busy with his involvement in numerous organizations, Einstein

doesn’t neglect his congregation.

“He can mold into any situation,” said Cantor Linda Ecker, Marc Ecker’s

wife, of the congregation. “He can sing preschool music, and the next

moment counsel a family who has lost a loved one.”

Besides satisfying the needs of his synagogue spiritually, he possesses

an intellect and wisdom to further his service to his people, said Pamela

Rosen, a teacher at Congregation B’nai Tzedek.

Graduating Phi Beta Kappa from UCLA, he began attending law school before

he quit to concentrate on the then-growing congregation. He has also

wrote two books on the Jewish religion.

“Opportunity knocks, and I’ve spent my life opening doors and saying come

on in,” Einstein said.

And he lets his faith guide him, as evidenced by the stitched sign that

hangs on his office wall that reads: “And who will bless the rabbis? The

people will.”

“The best thing I do is this: sitting across a table and talking to

someone, locking eyes with someone so your souls connect,” he said.

FYI

WHO: Rabbi Stephen J. Einstein of Congregation B’nai Tzedek, Fountain

Valley

AGE: 54

BACKGROUND: Graduated Phi Beta Kappa from UCLA. Attended law school for a

time but quit to concentrate on his congregation. He has also wrote two

books on the Jewish religion.

MISCELLANEOUS: Married with four children. About 425 families are members

of the congregation.