Wine Country Rabbi

08/31/2023

Embracing a noble cause, I had the privilege of meeting Tom Deegan, CEO of CarePartners, and Whitney Evans, Board Chair and devoted caregiver to his wife, Jeanette. Together, we delved into the impactful mission of CarePartners, a Sonoma-based nonprofit dedicated to aiding caregivers of those facing memory loss and dementia-related challenges.

During our inspiring discussion, CarePartners unveiled their remarkable Continuum of Support—a comprehensive resource featuring eleven invaluable links to assistance and services. For those seeking guidance, all these resources can be conveniently accessed through their website: https://carepartnersinitiative.org.

In the snapshot, you'll find Tom, Rabbi Steve, Whitney, and his wife Jeanette—a testament to the unity and compassion that drives CarePartners forward.

08/23/2023

🎙️ Hey there, it's Rabbi Steve and I'm thrilled to announce that I'm back on KSVY 91.3 for the Interfaith Radio Hour, happening every Thursday at Three! 🌍 Join me live on the World Wide Web at ksvy.org as I dive into captivating conversations about all aspects of faith and interfaith connections. In this snapshot, you'll find me alongside the wonderful Reverend Peadar Dalton, ready to explore the rich tapestry of our beliefs.

I can't wait to introduce you to the incredible guests from my Interfaith Circle right here in our vibrant town of Sonoma. Stay tuned for thought-provoking dialogues and meaningful insights! 📻🙏

08/18/2023

Spreading Compassion: Empowering Change 💙🤝
Witness the power of social action as a dedicated group of women from Congregation Shir Shalom - Sonoma come together to prepare and serve a heartwarming meal for the homeless at Homeless Action Sonoma. Their efforts, captured beautifully in this image, reflect the spirit of unity and kindness. A special shoutout to Annie Falandes, the president and founder (seen in the black shirt, third from the right), and Rabbi Steve (far right) for leading by example. Let's continue to inspire change and make a difference in our community! 🙌✨

07/31/2023

📸 I had a heartwarming visit to the Homeless Action Sonoma campus and was truly touched by what I saw. The newly constructed mini-homes for formerly homeless individuals were incredibly inspiring. In the center of it all was Annie Falandes, the amazing founder of H.A.S., surrounded by her dear friends Barry and Craig, who have been unwavering supporters of her incredible work. Witnessing Annie's dedication to making a difference in people's lives was truly inspiring. I couldn't be prouder to support her and the impactful work of H.A.S. Next to the needy themselves, it's these kind-hearted individuals like Annie, Barry, and Craig that I enjoy helping the most. Together, we are the driving force behind positive change and community empowerment. Let's continue to spread kindness and make a difference together! 💙🏡

07/29/2023

📸 Exciting day at The Hanna Center, Sonoma, with Father Samuel Natale (left), and CEO Cameron Safarloo (right). 🤝 It was a true honor to be invited in, get acquainted, and learn about the inspiring new visions of The Hanna Center. Their dedication to changing lives one at a time is truly commendable! 🌟

07/03/2023

📸 Reflecting the splendor of Lake Tahoe, we celebrated a beautiful Jewish wedding immersed in nature's enchanting embrace. 💍🌲 As a rabbi, I was humbled to officiate this special occasion, witnessing the merging of two souls against the breathtaking backdrop of pristine waters and majestic mountains. Mazel Tov to the newlyweds! May your love deepen like the lake's depths, and may your union be blessed with everlasting happiness and serenity. 🙏✨

06/22/2023

Sharing a heartfelt moment from last weekend's unforgettable Jewish/Hindu wedding ceremony at Vintners Resort, where I had the incredible honor of co-officiating for Katerina and Steve. Witnessing the union of two beautiful souls was simply magical! ✨💍

06/13/2023

Love is in full bloom during this wedding season, and I feel truly blessed to be part of the journey towards marriage alongside these incredible young couples. 💍✨❤️ Embracing the joy and excitement as we create lasting memories together. Cheers to love and new beginnings!

06/09/2023

Attending the Open House of the new Mental Health Services Center at the Hanna Center! 🙌✨ Together with Yaffa Finley, Pastor Scott Pryor, Dawn Castelli, Father Peadar Dalton, and myself, Rabbi Steve Finley, we're committed to supporting mental health and well-being in our community. Let's create a more compassionate and inclusive society. 💙

06/06/2023

🌈🎉 Excited to share a special moment with you all! I had the incredible honor of speaking in front of City Hall of Sonoma at the opening of "Pride Month." The event was truly blessed with a beautiful sun bow 🌈❤️✡️

06/02/2023

Feeling incredibly blessed to have my amazing wife Yaffa by my side, and surrounded by the extraordinary Hebrew school staff of Congregation Shir Shalom. Together, we're proudly celebrating another fantastic year! 🎉

05/03/2023

Congregation Shir Shalom of Sonoma celebrating Shabbat with song and dance, joy and devotion.

02/14/2023

https://sonomasun.com/2023/01/23/rabbi-steve-finley-on-the-alarming-rise-of-antisemitism/
I was very honored last month to offer a sermon and teaching with my dear friends at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church. See more details in the link. I would also like to offer a special thank you to Reverend Nicole Trotter for helping to arrange this visit.

By Jonathan Farrell — The past five years, growing unrest resulting in violence has become commonplace, especially with regards to antisemitism. Rabbi Steven Finley of Sonoma’s Synagogue Shir…

08/20/2022

The idea of resting together the sacred, ancient Hebrew poem, “Adon Olam” (Master of the Universe), with the music of “In My Room”, a classic ballad of both loneliness and hope by the Beach Boys, came to me during a time of personal struggle during the pandemic. This “marriage” between my secular world and my religious/spiritual world proved to be a reprieve for me, and thus set me on an expressive journey. Once finishing the Hebrew vocal arrangements and harmonies, I turned to my good friend and colleague, Ari Moshe Wolfe, knowing that his creative musicianship and soulful insights would be the guiding craftsmanship needed to help produce a refined, final product.

Concept: Rabbi Steve Finley
Vocal and harmony arrangement: Rabbi Steve Finley
Vocals: Rabbi Steve Finley and Ari Moshe Wolfe
Recording: Ari Moshe Wolfe
Guitar, Bass, Piano: Ari Moshe Wolfe
Harmonica: Rabbi Steve Finley

Please click below:
https://youtu.be/uENhGfl69Hg