Rabbi Richard Steinberg is a Reform Rabbi in Irvine, California and one of the most passionate Zionists in America. As Reform Judaism grapples with internal antizionism and the fundamental role of Zionism to the very core of Jewish identity, Rabbi Steinberg is on the forefront of Zionist advocacy both within the Jewish community and beyond.

On this episode of the Unapologetically Jewish Podcast, Rabbi Richard Steinberg and Shana Meyerson discuss the Jewish connection to Israel and whether or not it is every Jew's responsibility to stand with the Jewish State.

Since 2001, Rabbi Richard Steinberg has transformed Congregation Shir Ha-Ma’alot into one of Orange County’s thriving Reform Jewish communities, more than doubling its membership from fewer than 300 to over 625 families and building the county’s largest religious school. A passionate educator and visionary community leader, Rabbi Steinberg has made Jewish identity, education, and belonging central to his rabbinate. Under his leadership, the congregation has become a vibrant spiritual home dedicated to making Judaism compelling, relevant, and meaningful across generations.

Ordained at Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion, Rabbi Steinberg began his rabbinic career at Cincinnati’s historic Isaac M. Wise Temple, a foundational institution of Reform Judaism.

His influence extends well beyond the pulpit. He has served on the Central Conference of American Rabbis Board of Trustees, the CCAR/URJ Placement Commission, and the Orange County Human Relations Commission. He is also a former president of the Orange County Board of Rabbis and has served as chaplain to the Irvine Police Department. Rabbi Steinberg holds advanced degrees in Hebrew Letters and Marriage and Family Therapy and is a licensed psychotherapist.

You can find him at:

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