Wine Country Rabbi

12/10/2024

Honored to support the Sonoma Valley High School Football Team! 🏈

My son Ben and I had the privilege of taking a photo with Head Coach Max Pond, as well as another great shot with the Offensive Line. Shir Shalom was proud to sponsor a team dinner back in September—it’s always a joy to support our local community! 💚🤍

11/08/2024

Traveling to Southern California ☀️ 🕶️

Yaffa, Ben and I were down in Southern California for the week. On our last day, the extended Finley Family got together at the home of Kayli and Kayitz in Thousand Oaks. The spectacular reunion was long overdue so I'm sure, many more are to come!

11/05/2024

Here I am with the bride and groom Amit and Nate, to officiate their wedding in the Palm Springs area.

I've known the bride since she was a teenager, so this was extra special for me, and the venue they chose truly captured the amazing desert landscape.

A special "shout out" to Nicole, the wedding planner, and her wonderful team. Like the rest of her team, the D.J. and photographer were top-notch!

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10/09/2024

Such an honor standing with these two incredible gentlemen, Dylan and Jason, on their special day! 💍

Getting to know them throughout this journey was truly a treasure, and I wish them nothing but happiness and success in their life together. 🙏 Special thanks to Maryssa and her amazing team for always making everything run smoothly. Though the event has passed, the memories will last a lifetime. Mazel Tov to the happy couple! 🌟

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10/10/2023

🌟 Building a Stronger Community Together 🌟

For a decade, I've had the privilege of teaching Hebrew school at Congregation Shir Shalom in Sonoma. This year marks a profound shift as we open our doors to non-Jewish students for the first time. Our mission is clear: to combat the escalating anti-Semitism by fostering education, understanding, and unity.

Our diverse group of students now includes both Jewish and non-Jewish children. Together, they are immersed in the teachings of the Torah, experiencing the beauty of Jewish holidays, and sharing in our rich traditions. In a world where anti-Semitic incidents are on the rise, we see this as an essential step in building bridges and promoting tolerance.

As Jews, our history is marked by persecution, but our commitment to spreading love and understanding remains unwavering. This is just the beginning of our journey. With the success of these two students, we hope to expand our program, continuing to learn from one another, celebrating our differences, and working towards a world filled with love, acceptance, and unity. 💙✡️🌍

Read more about our initiative in this article

"We get to learn about other cultures, and inviting kids in who aren't the same culture as us it's a new experience and it's fun," one of the students said.

10/04/2023

In the middle, that's me, Rabbi Steve Finley, joining forces with Sonoma city leaders and our dedicated Fairmont Mission Inn workers to take a stand against the economic injustices plaguing this luxury hotel. 🏨 Together, we're part of a larger team committed to improving the working conditions for Fairmont's employees and forming a union with UNITE HERE local 2. 💪 Join us in our mission for change at https://www.unitehere2.org. Si Se Puede!! 🌟

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.