LIBERTY — Temple El Emeth has named Rabbi Seth Sternstein as its new rabbi following the recent retirement of Rabbi Joseph Schonberger.

Sternstein, who began Aug. 1, said he came to Temple El Emeth after his previous synagogue closed and he and his wife, Marsha, moved to Euclid, where they now reside. He said he soon learned of the opening at Temple El Emeth,

“There was a list of synagogues needing rabbis, and Temple El Emeth was one so I applied,” he said.

His wife, whose maiden name is Marsha Friedman, is from Cleveland Heights so their moving to Euclid brought her closer to home.

For the past 15 years, Sternstein was the rabbi at the Yorktown Jewish Center in Yorktown Heights, New York.

“My wife’s family connections are from the Youngstown area. Her great-uncle Joe Friedman brought the Friedman family to the area. Whenever we used to visit here, we would drive through Youngstown and smile of her family’s connection here. So when I saw the synagogue opening in Youngstown, I told my wife I was applying and I later learned I was selected,” Sternstein said.

Sternstein said many members of his family have served as pulpit rabbis, including his father and two uncles.

He started working as an accountant after earning an MBA from Iona University in New York. Sternstein also conducted services as a cantor during the High Holidays.

Sternstein said he soon decided he did not want to be an accountant. He said his wife supported his decision. He attended rabinnical school and was serving as a full-time cantor at Westchester Jewish Center in Long Island.

“There are many aspects that bring me joy doing this. I enjoy teaching the tenet of Torah and Jewish values to people of all ages and exploring Jewish wisdom,” Sternstein said.

Sternstein will be meeting the congregation and the public at a picnic and a meet and greet this week. He has been at Temple El Emeth since mid-July.

“The people I have met have been warm and friendly and very welcoming to me and my wife. I am very happy to be here and look forward to a long association,” he said.

Sternstein said he is learning about the congregation and operations at Temple El Emeth.

He said many conservative Jewish synagogues today have faced population declines.

“No one can predict the future. My goal is I have a community to serve and to bring Torah values to them. We are a traditional conservative synagogue with traditional Jewish values,” Sternstein said.

He said the synagogue is able to bring many prominent guest speakers from across the country, including recently former Ohio Health Director Dr. Amy Acton who spoke at the Jewish Community Center.

“We will have many more speakers in the future. I will focus on making sure the synagogue has a solid future ahead of it and people find meaning in the programming and religious services and activities,” Sternstein said.

He said he plans to meet other area religious leaders and those with the local Jewish Federation and JCC. Sternstein said he is preparing for the High Holidays with Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur this fall.

In his free time, Sternstein said he enjoys walking, especially by Lake Erie and area parks. He also does choral singing.