Rabbi Reuven and Rebbetzen Elisheva Stepsky have dedicated the last 30 years to Jewish education and outreach. Rabbi Stepsky received his Semicha from Harav Shammai Zahn ZT”L of Sunderland and Dayan C Kaplan ZT”L of the London Beis Din. He also did Rabbinical training (shimush) and received a further Semicha , specialising in Jewish Family Law from Dayan Gershon Lopian ZT”L.
Rabbi Stepsky and Elisheva’s first Rabbinical position was as Assistant Rabbi and Rebbetzen at the New West End Synagogue, London. From 1993 to 2016 they played senior roles in the development and growth of the Jewish Learning Exchange, London. Rabbi Stepsky is also a bereavement counsellor trained by JBCS. He is renowned for his clarity in teaching everyday practical halacha and the lessons of the Chassidic masters, and is known for his sensitivity in both answering halachic questions and in giving guidance on personal matters. Rebbetzen Elisheva is approachable and well known for her warm and caring personality when mentoring and advising many women in her unique gentle manner. She is a qualified MEP Kallah teacher. Together Rabbi Reuven and Elisheva have built a warm and welcoming home, inviting guests to join them for inspirational Shabbos and Yom Tov meals. The Stepsky table is known for its warm hospitality, great food and song.
In May 2016 the Stepskys launched Shema Bni due to the great need for an organisation dedicated and focused specifically on follow-up and support for Baalei Teshuvah and their families. The response has been overwhelming. Since its inception, Shema Bni has already engaged hundreds of people through its regular programmes and events, with over 100 Shiurim, 10 Seminars, 360 participants, 25 social events and mentoring 200 people.
Shema Bni is affiliated with JLE London. As well as regular classes from Rabbi Stepsky, Shema Bni participants get the opportunity to hear classes and shiurim from world-class JLE educators, including Rabbi Akiva Tatz, Rabbi Danny Kirsch, Rabbi Ivan Ziskind and Rabbi Aubrey Hirsch, as well as local educators, including Rabbi Reuven Atlas, Rabbi Rashi Simon (Kesher), Rebbetzen Joanne Dove (Seed), Rebbetzen Shoshana Tugendhaft and others. Shema Bni also brings in International speakers including the world-renowned speaker and author, Rabbi Dovid Kaplan, Israel and Rabbi Pinchus Jung, USA. Shema B’ni has a highly dedicated team who ensure the smooth running of all our events and programmes.