Meet Rabbi Steve Newman, Chaplain/Rabbi

My name is Steven Newman. I am a Rabbi, Chaplain and Bereavement Therapist with the L’Chaim Jewish Hospice Care Program of Catholic Hospice. One might ask why a rabbi works for Catholic Hospice? The answer is simple. Catholic Hospice is a faith-based and spiritually oriented hospice that values the psychosocial-spiritual needs of all people. Race, religion, creed and culture of all humanity are equally respected and honored. Our staff is multi-cultural and religiously and spiritually diverse. We honor the presence of the Almighty when a person is racked with severe illness and pain. To be part of a group of people dedicated to providing medical, emotional, and spiritual care and support to the gravely ill, is both an honor and a blessing. Since 2000, I have worked with several hospices in three different states without feeling the divine presence of God.

On a personal level, I am a loving son, caring brother, dedicated husband and playful grandfather. My father served for over twenty years in the U.S. Air Force, so I grew to adulthood throughout the U.S.A., Philippine Islands, Puerto Rico and Israel. I learned to interact with people of all races, religions, cultures and creeds. A lover of education, I earned three graduate degrees, the last being a Ph.D. in Psychotherapy. In addition, I spent several years in seminary study, leading to ordination as a rabbi in 2000. I have worked with Catholic Hospice since March 2019, which has been a joy and privilege. My goal is to provide a listening ear and loving kindness to our patients, their families and to my co-workers.