Staff & Clergy at Temple Israel Long Beach -
[Cached Version]
Published on: 8/26/2009
Last Visited: 8/26/2009
Stephen M. Bascove
Executive Director
...
Message from Stephen Bascove
smb@tilb.org
Originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where at age (13) Stephen joined his first Jewish organization, AZA, (Alef Tsadeek Alef) the youth organization of B’nai Brith.
Stephen went on to become President of his chapter some three years later and that was the beginning of his commitment to Jewish communal service.
Stephen’s affiliation with Jewish organizations continued as he matured.
He participated in the Federation of Jewish Agencies (FJA), B’nai Brith Foods Trade Lodge and served as a member of the Board of Directors and Membership Chair for the newly constructed Northeast Jewish Community Center in Philadelphia.
However, some of his proudest moments and fondest memories occurred in early 1970.
Stephen was one of a handful of men who founded a small Conservative Synagogue in Philadelphia, the Bustleton-Somerton Synagogue.
Stephen was elected the synagogue’s first President, becoming the youngest president of a Conservative Synagogue in North America at age twenty-five.
Stephen continued to serve as President for 3 1/2 years during which time land was purchased and the Synagogue constructed.
In 1975 he was honored by Yeshiva University for "advancing the spiritual and cultural heritage of Judaism," another milestone in his life.
The plaque that was presented over thirty years ago proudly hangs on the wall in his office at Temple Israel of Long Beach.
Most of the Bascove family relocated to Florida in 1990, where they embraced the Reform movement and joined Temple Solel in Hollywood, Fl. Within a few months Stephen was elected to the Board of Directors and served proudly for six years.
During that time he chaired a myriad of committees, including House, 25th Anniversary, Cantor Choral, Kinder Group, Family Retreat, and Membership.
His wife Tracey also served on many committees and was elected Sisterhood Co-President 1999-2000.
Prior to accepting the position of Executive Director of Temple Israel of Greater Miami, Stephen was Deputy (Assistant) Executive Director & Operations Manager of Temple Beth El of Boca Raton, the ninth largest reform Temple in North America.
He served in that capacity just short of two years.
Stephen has dedicated his entire adult life to the Jewish communities of Philadelphia, Pa., Hollywood and Boca Raton, Fl. and now Long Beach, Ca. as a dedicated lay leader and Jewish professional.
He served in the United States Army Reserve’s 851st Transportation Corps. from 1963-1971.
Stephen considers his biggest accomplishment being the proud father of four children, Zachary, Phyllis, Eric and Evan and the glowing grandfather of Samantha.
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