Q&A with Stephen Papkin

Q: Why did you choose a career in Jewish education?

A: My mother was a teacher and my father has a background in music education, so education is a field that I have always had a lot of respect for. When I was younger, I enjoyed volunteering with at-risk youth in Rochester and Israel. I helped students in Rochester, East Rochester and Israel, and began thinking about education as a career. Specifically, I chose Jewish Education because I am so passionate about Judaism and the study of Jewish content. Learning about Judaism covers so many different disciplines such as history, liturgy, spirituality, sociology, literature and more. Regardless of who the learner is, there is something that will interest them and as an educator, that keeps things new and exciting. I also recognize how important it is to pass on our teachings and traditions to the next generation. Inspiring Jewish learning and Jewish living will be critical for maintaining the identity of our community as we face new and challenging times.

Q: Why is Jewish education important at any age?

A: The study of Jewish content is a crucial part of what it means to be a Jew. We don’t use the verb “read” when referring to how we engage with Torah or Talmud. We use the word “study.” This is a recognition that furthering our understanding of sacred texts is a lifelong pursuit, one which never ends. This is why the Torah portions come in a yearly cycle, they are revisited again and again, with different commentary, new perspectives and an ever-deepening relationship to the text. 

Q: What do you want Temple Beth El congregants to most know about you?

A: I want Temple Beth El to know that I am always available and approachable and I am excited to  be part of the synagogue’s community. Other than education, I am also passionate about fishing. My approach to both is the same: patience, persistence and not being afraid to change up the pattern. 

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work? 

A: I enjoy spending time with my pit bull Ruby, who is very sweet and demands a lot of attention. I also enjoy spending time in nature, fishing, hiking and camping and taking road trips to new cities. For fun, I go to local comedy shows and spend time rereading Kurt Vonnegut novels.