Rabbi Bernstein is the Rabbi at Aydat HaDerekh Messianic Synagogue in Fort Myers, FL.
Steve was born on Lag B’Omer in Ann Arbor, MI but was raised in Gainesville, FL. The son of two University of Florida professors, he excelled in the sciences in school. In addition to his normal academic studies, he 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, he served in the Gadna division of the Israel Defense Forces. Steve 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., he entered Duke University. Steve 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 Paine Webber for 14 years and earned the Chartered Financial Consultant designation from the American College in Bryn Mawr, PA. He joined Raymond James in 2001 where he still practices today. Steve was given his first Smikha in 2005. Since then, he has been the Rabbi at Aydat HaDerekh Messianic Synagogue in Fort Myers, FL which is affiliated with the UMJC and the IAMCS. He is currently in the interim program with the IAMCS and the rabbinic program with the UMJC. Rabbi Bernstein lives in Estero, FL with his wife, Roni.