Rabbi Steve Gross has been serving the Houston Jewish community since his ordination in 1996. As the rabbi of Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism, he brings warmth, creativity, and a genuine sense of joy to the pulpit. With his passion for music and his use guitar, Rabbi Gross seeks to create worship experiences that resonate across generations.
At the heart of Rabbi Gross’s work is a deep belief that Jewish life is meant to foster connection: to one another, to community, and to God. He approaches every aspect of his rabbinate as an opportunity to build meaningful relationships and to cultivate a spirit of belonging. This commitment extends well beyond his congregation, as he has long been dedicated to strengthening understanding and respect among Houston’s diverse faith communities.
A passionate advocate for peace and justice, Rabbi Gross sees these values as essential expressions of faith. He has helped nurture a strong sense of shared responsibility within his community, including his involvement with Jerusalem Peacebuilders, where he supports programs that bring Israeli, Palestinian, and American participants together to engage across differences and develop the skills needed for dialogue and diplomacy.
Rabbi Gross has been actively involved with the Anti-Defamation League’s Coalition for Mutual Respect, Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston, and countless, Churches, Mosques, temples, and cultural centers throughout the City of Houston. Through these multi-faith endeavors, Rabbi Gross embraces partnerships in the ongoing work of building bridges of trust and understanding through initiatives that bring peoples of faiths together in meaningful and impactful ways.
In 2017, he was selected as the Jewish representative on a Houston clergy delegation to Abu Dhabi for the international conference “Religions Promoting Peace Through Trust and Partnership,” focused on confronting extremism through collaboration. He continues this work locally through his leadership in the Multi-Faith Neighbors Network, fostering relationships among pastors, imams, rabbis, and their communities. He believes deeply in the power of shared experiences, collaborative service, and what he calls “audacious hospitality” to break down barriers and build a more compassionate world.
Originally from La Jolla, California, Rabbi Gross enjoys exploring culture through food and is an accomplished cook. He’s also a devoted Astros and Texans fan. He and his wife, Beckye, are the proud parents of four children: Elliot, Lily, Simon, and Aiden.