We are so excited to be honoring Rabbi Stephen Einstein at our 2021 GALA! Rabbi Einstein is a much-loved teacher and spiritual guide for Jewish converts.  As far back as the 1970s, he welcomed people who were curious about Judaism and considering conversion when other rabbis were rejecting such inquiries. 

And, over the past 50 years, Rabbi Einstein has made a difference in so many lives!

Our 2021 GALA – a lively, virtual celebration of Rabbi Einstein and his lifetime impact -- also highlights our mission at the Sandra Caplan Community Bet Din: to sensitively and individually support ALL  candidates for conversion; to bring them, body and soul into the covenant of the  Jewish people.

Please join Co-Chairs Arlene Chernow and Rabbi Steven Carr Reuben as we honor Rabbi Einstein with heartwarming speakers, inspiring videos, musical interludes and tribute opportunities.  When you register, you will have the opportunity to choose your tribute size and submit your message and, if desired, an image.

Our 2021 GALA opens with music and tributes from friends, family, colleagues, candidates and converts -- your words of appreciation, respect and praise for Rabbi Steve.

LYDIA KUKOFF wrote Choosing Judaism, one of the first books available on Jewish conversion, which has been described as “essential and exhilarating.”  Over many years, Kukoff has made an enormous difference in the ways we think about those on the path to conversion. Kukoff will tell stories about how she and Rabbi Steve worked together to change lives, attitudes and practices.

PROFESSOR/RABBI DAVID ELLENSON, Chancellor Emeritus of Hebrew Union College (HUC), currently at Brandeis University, writes about Orthodox legal writings on conversion in Israel, North America, and Europe during the modern era.  He will describe how he worked with Rabbi Steve and others at HUC to change its training for rabbis who  welcome and support candidates for conversion.

CANTOR NATALIE YOUNG is a nationally recognized composer of contemporary Jewish music, and as the Cantor of Temple Beth El of Orange County, she is a local colleague of Rabbi Einstein. Cantor Young  also has the distinction of being married to Rabbi David Young who is currently the Senior Rabbi of Congregation B'nai Tzedek which Rabbi Einstein founded in Fountain Valley in 1976.

A CHORUS OF FORMER SANDRA CAPLAN BET DIN CANDIDATES will join in chanting the Shema, a prayer which is central to the ritual of Jewish conversion. Our “Convert Chorus” will be led in song and praise by our beloved Honoree, Rabbi Einstein. 

POET AND LITURGIST, ALDEN SOLOVY, all the way from Jerusalem, will provide a meaningful frame to our chorus as he reads his modern rendition of the Shema.

RABBI STEPHEN EINSTEIN, our beloved Honoree (and lover of giraffes!) will conclude our uplifting 2021 GALA sharing his experiences connecting with the hundreds of souls he has met through his joyful work in Jewish conversion.

Please join us in celebrating this amazing rabbi, mensch and mentor whose hospitality, generosity and loving kindness continue to provide an inspiring model for all of the rabbis who work with our candidates at the Sandra Caplan Community Bet Din

We are a 501 (c)(3) EIN 45-5254684.

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