fbpx Rabbi Steven Carr Reuben | Reconstructing Judaism

Rabbi Steven Carr Reuben, Ph.D.

Rabbi Emeritus, Kehillat Israel Reconstructionist Congregation in Pacific Palisades, California

Rabbi Steven Carr Reuben, Ph.D., is Rabbi Emeritus of Kehillat Israel Reconstructionist Congregation in Pacific Palisades, California. A past president of the Board of Rabbis of Southern California, Steven has served on the boards of many non-profit organizations, including Chrysalis, Global Children’s Organization, I Have a Dream Foundation, and The Center for the Improvement of Child Caring. He is the recipient of numerous community awards, including the Micah Award for founding the largest full-service homeless shelter in Los Angeles. A nationally recognized expert in the field of moral education, he has written numerous books on the topic, as well as on interfaith family issues. His latest book is Becoming Jewish – The Challenges, Rewards, and Paths to Conversion. Steven’s earned degrees include two bachelor’s degrees, in philosophy and political science, from the University of California, Davis; a master’s degree in education from the University of Southern California; and a Ph.D. in religion from Sierra University. He was ordained in 1976 by the Hebrew Union College.

Out of Sight, But Not Out Of Mind

Our character is revealed not in dramatic deeds, but in everyday act of decency.

D'var Torah

By Bread Alone?

Sometimes all of life seems like a test. Rabbi Steven Carr Reuben explores Parashat Ekev, finding spiritual tools to face life’s hardships.

D'var Torah

Retelling Our Story

What stories do we tell ourselves about the past? As Moses retells his story at the beginning of the book of Deuternomy, does he fall victim to a common failing?

D'var Torah

Putting Aside Fear for Courage

The Israelites are faced with the choice between faith and fear, blessings and curses. So are we all. 

D'var Torah

Revelation as a Gift

Revelation did not just happen at Sinai, says Rabbi Steven Carr Reuben. It is present in each of our lives, if we open ourselves to listen.

D'var Torah

It's Not Fair!

Even a child knows that the world ought to be fair. Rabbi Steven Carr Reuben reflects on justice, retribution, and proportionality in his study of Parashat Emor. 

D'var Torah

Illness and Connection

In moments of greatest potential isolation — illness and death — connections arise. 

D'var Torah

Birth of Humility

The Torah states that women, after giving birth, need to make a sacrificial offering. But why? Rabbi Steven Carr Reuben suggests that it's not for the reason you think.

D'var Torah

The Spiritual Tools of Leviticus

Rabbi Steven Carr Reuben reflects on an unexpected moment of insight into the ancient sacrificial rituals of Vayikra

D'var Torah

Coming Together

Believing, behaving, belonging: which of these lies at the root of Judaism? Rabbi Steven Carr Reuben explores this question. 

D'var Torah

Wherever We Let God In

In a famous Hasidic saying, the Kotzer Rebbe was once asked: “Where does God dwell?” Rabbi Steven Carr Reuben gives an unexpected answer. 

D'var Torah

Sinai and Humanity

Rabbi Steven Carr Reuben reflects on Sinai as a model for universal spiritual experience. 

D'var Torah

Responsibility and the Hardened Heart

When do we become fully adult? When we accept total responsibility for our actions. In this commentary on Parashat Bo, Rabbi Steven Carr Reuben examines Pharaoh’s life and decisions to shed light on our own sense of moral responsibility for our deeds. 

D'var Torah

Naming the Divine

Jewish tradition names God in many ways. Why so many? And what truths lie behind the choice of a divine name? 

D'var Torah

Courage and Forgiveness

As the book of Bereyshit draws to a close, so does Joseph's life. While Joseph faced many familial traumas during his lifetime, Rabbi Steven Carr Reuben reflects on how the patriarch showed true greatness by rising above them.

D'var Torah