Rosalie Stein, a longtime leader in the St. Louis Jewish community, will serve as interim executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of St. Louis. Stein, who previously spent 13 years as executive director of Congregation Shaare Emeth, will begin her role this month.
She will work closely with Rabbi Scott Shafrin, JCRC’s current executive director, until his departure in January. Shafrin and his family are relocating to Cincinnati, where his wife, Rabbi Jessica Shafrin, will assume a leadership position as Director of Mission at Jewish Hospital of Cincinnati.
Transitioning leadership with experience and care
The overlap between Stein and Shafrin is designed to ensure a smooth transition for JCRC, which has already begun its search for a permanent executive director.
“Rosalie brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the St. Louis Jewish community,” said JCRC Board Chair Joel Iskiwitch. “She is the perfect choice to lead JCRC during this time of transition.”
Stein retired as executive director of Congregation Shaare Emeth in June 2023 after more than a decade of dedicated service. Before that, she worked as the synagogue’s development director for two years. Stein’s career also includes 13 years as the executive director of the Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids, Mich.
A career of community leadership
Stein’s contributions to the Jewish community have earned her significant recognition, including JPro’s Career Achievement Award in 2017. A member of Kol Rinah, Stein is known for her commitment to fostering connections within the Jewish community and her exceptional leadership skills.
Her new role at JCRC will involve addressing pressing issues, fostering interfaith and intercommunity relationships, and guiding the organization through a period of change.
For more information on JCRC’s leadership transition or its ongoing initiatives, visit JCRC’s website.
