Rabbi Dr. Steven A. Bernstein, he is the Rabbi of Congregation Aydat HaDerekh Messianic Synagogue in Fort Myers, FL. Our topic for this show will be, CAN WE HASTEN THE COMING OF MOSHIACH.
BIO:
Rabbi Steve was born on Lag B’Omer 1958 in Ann Arbor, MI but was raised in Gainesville, FL. The son of 2 University of Florida professors, Steve excelled in the sciences in school. In addition to his normal academic studies, Steve also pursued his Jewish education studying with many Rabbis and professors of Judaic Studies from the University including visiting Rabbis such as Abraham Joshua Heschel and Shlomo Carlebach. In the late ‘70s, Steve moved with his family to Jerusalem where his parents became visiting professors at Hebrew University. In addition to continuing his academic studies while in Israel, Steve served in the Gadna division of the Israel Defense Forces. He also did volunteer work on kibbutzim with Sherut Leumi, with Magen David Adom, and various archaeological digs all over Israel.
On returning to the U.S., Steve entered Duke University. He pursued both sciences and Judaic studies, studying 1st century Judea under Dr. Eric Meyers and historical Judaism under Dr. Kalman Bland. He finished his degree at the University of West Florida with a major in Philosophy and Religious Studies and New Testament studies under Rev. Dr. William Mountcastle. After college, Steve became a financial advisor and investment consultant. He worked with PaineWebber for 14 years and earned the Chartered Financial Consultant designation from the American College in Bryn Mawr, PA. He joined Raymond James in 2001 and retired in 2019. Steve was given his first Smikha in 2010. Since then, he has been the Rabbi at Aydat HaDerekh Messianic Synagogue in Fort Myers, FL which is affiliated with the UMJC. He is an instructor of Jewish History with Yeshivat Shuvu where he is the Director of Theology. Rabbi Steve received his Doctorate in Messianic Judaism (DMJ) in 2020 from Shuvu College of Messianic Judaism and he lives in Estero, FL with his wife, Roni.
