Meet Our Rabbi
Welcome to Temple Beth Shalom of Vero Beach! We are delighted to introduce you to our Interim Rabbi, Rabbi Stephen Fuchs. Rabbi Fuchs brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to our community.
About Rabbi Stephen Fuchs
Rabbi Fuchs was ordained in 1974 at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion and has since had a distinguished career. He served as the Senior Rabbi at Congregation Beth Israel in West Hartford, CT, where he is now Rabbi Emeritus. In addition to his pulpit work, Rabbi Fuchs was the President of the World Union for Progressive Judaism, during which he traveled to over 65 communities across five continents, advocating for Reform Jewish values and legitimacy.
Rabbi Fuchs is also an accomplished author, having written several books, including “What’s in It for Me? Finding Ourselves in Biblical Narratives,” which has been translated into multiple languages. His dedication to Holocaust education and interfaith dialogue has taken him to numerous speaking engagements worldwide.
A Welcoming Community
Under Rabbi Fuchs’s leadership, we continue to foster a nurturing and inclusive community where all can thrive in their faith journey. With a focus on love, community, and service, we are committed to making a positive impact both locally and globally.
Join Us in Our Search
As we cherish the guidance of Rabbi Fuchs, we are also on the lookout for a permanent Rabbi to lead us into the future. We invite you to be a part of our vibrant community and join us in this exciting time of transition.
Get Involved
We welcome you to participate in our Shabbat services, community events, and outreach programs. Your support and engagement help us to continue our mission of service and devotion.
Thank you for being a part of Temple Beth Shalom of Vero Beach. We look forward to walking alongside you in your faith journey.
ABOUT
Rabbi Stephen Fuchs was born and raised in a dynamic Jewish environment that profoundly influenced his life and career. His early years were shaped by his experiences in both the vibrant, close-knit Jewish community of his hometown and the broader world of Jewish learning and culture. From a young age, Rabbi Fuchs was immersed in Jewish education, participating in youth programs and Jewish camps that nurtured his passion for his heritage.
Rabbi Fuchs pursued his higher education at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, where he was ordained in 1974. His time at HUC-JIR included significant opportunities to engage with Jewish communities across the country, serving in student pulpits that deepened his understanding of the diverse experiences and challenges faced by Jewish congregations. During his studies, Rabbi Fuchs developed a keen interest in the resilience of small Jewish communities, a theme that would continue to resonate throughout his career.
His academic journey also led him to conduct meaningful research, particularly focused on the history and legacy of Jewish cemeteries in communities that had diminished over time. This research underscored his commitment to preserving the memory and traditions of Jewish life, even in the face of change and adversity.
Rabbi Fuchs’s early life and education laid the foundation for his lifelong dedication to Jewish learning, leadership, and community service, guiding his work as he became a prominent figure in the Jewish world.
Since joining Temple Beth Shalom, Rabbi Stephen Fuchs has quickly become an integral part of our community, bringing his extensive experience and deep commitment to Jewish life. Although new to Vero Beach, Rabbi Fuchs has seamlessly connected with our congregation, offering his spirit and strength—his ruach and koach—to every aspect of Jewish living.
Rabbi Fuchs has already engaged with our members through worship services, life cycle events, and pastoral care, ensuring that each moment is filled with meaning and connection. His dedication extends beyond the synagogue, as he actively participates in local interfaith initiatives and community efforts, working to build bridges of understanding and compassion across the Treasure Coast.
“One of the most fulfilling aspects of my role at Temple Beth Shalom is the opportunity to bring my passions into our community,” says Rabbi Fuchs. Whether through his involvement in gardening and sustainability projects or his leadership in Holocaust education through the Community One Initiative, Rabbi Fuchs strives to enrich the Jewish experience for all. His unique approach blends tradition with innovation, offering new ways to connect with Jewish values and teachings.
Rabbi Fuchs is committed to making Temple Beth Shalom a true House of Shalom—a place of harmony, learning, and growth. He sees our congregation not just as a peaceful sanctuary but as a vibrant community where each member can thrive and contribute to making the world a better place.
“Welcome to Temple Beth Shalom, where we are all part of one family,” Rabbi Fuchs shares. “I am eager to build meaningful relationships with our members, sharing in the joys and challenges of life, exploring our rich traditions together, and working towards a future filled with peace and understanding.”