Whitestone has full-time rabbi and cantor

Beginning as a part-time cantor at the Whitestone Hebrew Centre, Rabbi Steven Axelman is now their full-time cantor and rabbi.
When the previous rabbi left the center several years ago, Axelman began filling in as a cantor to lead services. He eventually began serving as the rabbi on weekends while continuing to work full-time as a psychotherapist in New Jersey. About a year ago, Axelman stopped working as a therapist to work only at the center.
“You grow into a synagogue and you literally become part of the family,” said Axelman, who is originally from Baltimore.
Axelman said that he loves Whitestone and the neighborhood, describing it as a very friendly area.
While at the Whitestone Hebrew Centre, Axelman said that he has been dealing with a problem that many other synagogues face, which is an older and decreasing membership. In order to attract newer members, Axelman said that along with making physical improvements they have worked towards making services more warm and inviting.
Another component of the synagogue has been to offer classes that are of interest to members, including a Talmud class attended by about 15 people.
“We have a very dynamic Talmud class,” Axelman said. “For some people it’s literally life-changing. It’s introducing people to things they may not have been exposed to in Judaism and finding a way to make it exciting and relevant.”
Within the Whitestone Hebrew Centre, Axelman is also the principal of the Hebrew school and is in charge of the youth program.
Because of it being a small synagogue, Axelman said that, although he has a great deal of responsibility, he is able to take his vision, sell it to others and then work to make things happen.
Axelman interacts with other organizations such as the Northeast Queens Jewish Community Council and the Whitestone Neighborhood Clergy. He can also be seen at local community events such as ribbon cuttings.
For the future, Axelman has two main goals for the center. First and foremost, he said he plans on it remaining open. Secondly, he also wants to continue to attract new members, including younger families with children.
“We’re going to grow as a vibrant Jewish center,” he said.
In his professional work, Axelman said that the most rewarding part has been being able to make an impact on the lives of others.
“It’s an unbelievable opportunity because as clergy you really make a big difference,” Axelman said. “Sometimes just clergy being there makes a difference and that’s amazingly rewarding.”
The Whitestone Hebrew Centre is located at 12-45 Clintonville Street. For more information, call 718-767-1500 or visit www.stevenaxelman.com.