July 2nd was a sad day in Parsippany when news that popular Rabbi Steven Mills, spiritual leader of Temple Beth Am since 2014, had suddenly died. Funeral services were held at Beth Am on July 5th.
Rabbi Mills had a lengthy resume. Coming from Temple B’nai Jeshurun in Des Moines, the largest synagogue in Iowa, he was well known. He left there to become regional director of the Union for Reform Judaism serving as rabbinic director of its Central Congregational Network and was the direct link between the Council and 70 synagogues in Ohio, Indiana Michigan and New York. Rabbi Mills provided them with technical expertise, resources and counseling on issues that congregations face.
These were just a few of the many accomplishments of Rabbi Mills. In a statement from Mayor Barberio; “As I sat and listened to the eulogy delivered by his wife, who is also a rabbi, I found out many things about Rabbi Mills of which I was unaware like the fact that he was a lawyer prior to being ordained as a rabbi in 1993 and had 3 beautiful children. Her eulogy made me reflect upon my personal experience with Rabbi Mills of whom I was very fond. He was such an insightful man. His enthusiasm was contagious and his intelligence, kindness and compassion were evident in the way he conducted his life and dealings with members of his congregation. He was deeply involved with the community and always made me feel welcome when I was invited to attend services or special presentations.”
My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and members of the Beth Am congregation. He will be greatly missed.
