Rabbi Keith Stern serves on the Rabbinic Cabinet at Avodah.
He began his tenure in the pulpit of Temple Beth Avodah in July 1997. He succeeded Rabbi Robert Miller, beloved spiritual leader of Beth Avodah for over a quarter century, who remains with us as Rabbi Emeritus. Rabbi Stern brings his unique vitality, ideas, warmth and sense of humor to our congregation. Rabbi Stern holds a Master of Arts degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California, and two MA degrees from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Hebrew Letters and Jewish Communal Service. He demonstrates an energetic and passionate enthusiasm for Jewish living, worship, and learning, and is deeply committed to teaching at all levels. Rabbi Stern and his wife Liza (a respected rabbi as well) have 5 children. Both have New England roots: Keith grew up in Middletown, Connecticut, and Liza spent her childhood in Newton. Rabbi Stern’s interests are many and varied and he has written sermons on many subjects during his years at Temple Beth Avodah. In addition, he sends a weekly “Before Shabbat” e-mail to the congregation with his thoughts on Temple, our community, and world events each week.