Steve is a lifelong resident of Oklahoma City and a real product of the Southwest Council of the Union of Reform Judaism. As a young member of Temple B’nai Israel, he served as the youth group president and TOFTY treasurer and as an adult became a member of the Board of Trustees and congregational president. He has served the congregation on the audit committee, dues committee, building and grounds, including co-chair of both facilities renovation and expansion. In addition he has chaired the rabbinical search committee. Steve (with his brother David) is the co-creator and organizer of the annual TBI golf tournament. And, it is Steve who envisioned and chaired our first Temple Family reunion last summer.

Steve has served the Southwest Council, which is now the South District, in various capacities, which led to his serving as president from 2006 to 2010. His prior regional involvement began as the local arrangements chair for the 2002 regional biennial in Oklahoma City, served as Southwest Council vice president representing Oklahoma, as well as a member of the regional MUM committee. Steve’s visionary insight created the Liaison Committee for the Southwest Council, which has now been duplicated throughout the movement and has become an important part of the overall governance structure for the URJ.

Steve has also been a strong voice for small and underserved congregations, not only in the Southwest Council, but in the movement at large. He believes that people connecting with people is the key for keeping Judaism vital, especially in the South. The fruits of his involvement can be seen by the numerous individuals who have benefited from his passions.

We hope that the congregation will join the leadership and staff of the Union for Reform Judaism at this special service to honor a unique leader from Temple B’nai Israel.