Rabbi Steven Folberg (he/him) – Interim Rabbi

Rabbi Steve Folberg is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He graduated LaSalle University in Philadelphia, Maxima Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology.

Rabbi Folberg received his rabbinic ordination from Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion In New York City in 1985. He has served on the national Board of the Central Conference of American Rabbis as a member at large and has also chaired the CCAR Resolutions Committee. In April 2010, Rabbi Folberg was awarded an honorary Doctor Of Divinity degree in recognition of the 25th anniversary of his ordination. Rabbi Folberg co-authored Bright Lights in Dark Times, a Jewish history textbook for middle school and high school students.

Upon ordination, Rabbi Folberg served Temple Beth-El in Great Neck, New York as its Assistant and Associate Rabbi for six years until 1991. In 1991, he assumed the position of senior Rabbi of Congregation Beth Israel in Austin, Texas, Austin’s oldest and largest synagogue. He served CBI for 33 years. In June 2024, he was awarded the title of Rabbi Emeritus.

Rabbi Folberg is an alumnus of Rabbinic Cohort 5 of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. He is fascinated by the work being done on the intersection of Judaism and mindfulness practice, including meditation and yoga. He loves teaching students of all ages. Rabbi Folberg is married to Saundra Goldman, a writer, writing teacher and art historian. They adore their daughter, Shira, who was born in 2001.

In his spare time, Rabbi Folberg enjoys walking his three dogs, playing guitar, listening to music (predominantly Steely Dan), tinkering with various electronic gadgets and exploring the beauty of Cape Cod with Saundra.

He is beyond thrilled to serve Falmouth Jewish Congregation as its Interim Rabbi through June of 2025, while the congregation searches for its next settled (long term) Rabbi.

Rabbi Folberg can be reached at rabbifolberg@falmouthjewish.org.