Rabbi Louis Stein received his Bachelor’s Degree from Queens College, N.Y. and was awarded a Fellowship in the Department of Education while working toward his Master’s Degree. After several years of teaching in a public school he enrolled in the graduate program at Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion. Upon completion of the five year program of studies he was ordained a rabbi.
Rabbi Stein was the founding rabbi of Temple Beth Elohim, Old Bethpage, N.Y. and upon the completion of forty years of service he retired and was awarded the title of Emeritus with the school wing dedicated and named in his honor. At the invitation of a colleague he was called out of retirement to serve as co-rabbi of Temple Emanuel, Great Neck, N.Y. where he conducted services, lectured and taught courses in the Institute for Adult Jewish Studies for an additional ten years. Through the years he was appointed to various communal and organizational boards, actively participating in interfaith programs. He served as President of the Long Island Board of Rabbis among other positions. Most recently he served as the Executive Secretary of the Association for Progressive Judaism and Editor of its quarterly publication. He is an avid reader and has taught courses in American Jewish literature and popular culture. In addition, he welcomes the opportunity to speak about Jewish history, festival celebrations, theology and ethics.