Rabbi Steve Bernstein
Rabbi Steve was born in Ann Arbor, MI but was raised in Gainesville, FL. The son of 2 University of Florida professors, Steve excelled in the sciences in school. In addition to his normal academic studies, Steve also pursued his Jewish education studying with many Rabbis and professors of Judaic Studies. In the late ‘70s, Steve moved with his family to Jerusalem where his parents became visiting professors at Hebrew University. In addition to continuing his academic studies while in Israel, Steve served in the Gadna division of the Israel Defense Forces. He also did volunteer work on Kibbutz all over Israel.
On returning to the U.S., Steve entered Duke University and finished his degree at the University of West Florida with a major in Philosophy and Religious Studies and a minor in Chemistry. After college, Steve became a financial advisor and investment consultant. He worked with PaineWebber for 14 years and earned the Chartered Financial Consultant designation from the American College in Bryn Mawr, PA. He joined Raymond James in 2001 where he still practices today.
After continuing Jewish studies all his life, Rabbi Steve was finally ordained in June 2010 and has taken over leadership of Aydat HaDerekh Messianic Synagogue in Fort Myers. Steve is also a professor at Shuvu Yeshiva and received Smicha there in December 2014. In 2015 Rabbi Steve received Smicha from the International Association of Messianic Congregations and Synagogues (IAMCS.) Rabbi Steve lives in Estero with his wife, Roni. His daughter Lyla, 33, lives in Tampa, FL with her husband and his daughter Dara, 29 is also in Tampa.