Every morning when he’s in town, you can find Steven at morning minyan, a daily practice he began years ago. A well-respected leader in both the business and community sectors, he served as the president of Agudath Israel from 2003 to 2005 and chair of the Board of Directors of the Jewish Federation of Ottawa from 2013 to 2015. Recently, Kate McGregor, Chair of the Communications & Marketing Committee, met with him to discuss business, family, community leadership, and the importance of faith.
1. What first brought you to our congregation, and what made you decide to stay?
In 1991, my wife’s father passed away, and Shelli wanted to recite Kaddish. At that time, this practice was frowned upon in the Orthodox shul we belonged. She asked me if we could join Agudath Israel for the 11-month mourning period. We never left. The shul engaged our children in programs like Tefilahtainu, and by sitting together, I was able to help Shelli understand and take part in the services. Over the years, we developed many friendships in the community.
2. What do you enjoy most about being part of this community?
Morning minyan is what I enjoy the most. I started going daily in 2003, just before my Presidency started, as I knew it would help me understand the dynamics of Agudath Israel. The morning minyan serves as the “pulse” of the shul. To this day, I do my best to attend every day.
3. Tell me a little about yourself. Where did you grow up? Tell me about your parents, siblings, and your own family.
My parents moved from Montreal to Ottawa in 1954 so that my dad could start a new business. I was born and raised in Ottawa, where I was part of the “Edgecliffe Street gang.” I went to Hillel Academy. I have an older sister who lives in Ottawa and a younger sister who lives in Boca Raton, Florida.
I have been married for almost 45 years to an incredible wife. Shelli and I have three amazing daughters, a wonderful son-in-law, and two active granddaughters. Unfortunately, they all live elsewhere: one in Toronto, one in Boston, and one currently in Australia.
I began working with my dad in 1975, right out of high school. At that time, our family business, Westboro Flooring & Décor, had just five staff members. Over the years, we expanded and became the largest supplier of flooring and window treatments in Eastern Ontario. By the time I retired and sold the business in late 2023, we had grown to 60 full-time employees.
4. What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
In 1973, I started a DJ company called HOT ROCK SOUNDS. I provided music for camp dances, sweet sixteen parties, bar mitzvahs, and high school dances. It was my first real business venture. I met my wife while DJing at a JCC teen dance on Chapel Street!
I’m a musician, and I play the piano, guitar and trumpet. I still play the piano regularly. I initially planned to attend the University of Ottawa to study music but chose not to because I was already working and loved it.
5. If you could have dinner with any Jewish figure (past or present), who would you choose and why?
Rabbi Bulka – he was my teacher for Torah, Mishnah and Jewish ethics in grade 9 at Hillel High School. He served as a role model and advisor throughout many of my community leadership positions. Rabbi Bulka taught me that a Jewish community is strongest when we are all connected.
6. Is there a piece of music that has had a lasting impact on you? What makes it meaningful?
Avinu Malkeinu. When singing this prayer, I feel myself singing from the heart. It is even more powerful when I am davening with a congregation that sings the last stanza together over and over; the prayer touches me deeply.
7. You’ve been involved in community work for a long time. What moments or achievements are you most proud of?
Receiving the Gilbert Greenberg Distinguished Leadership Award in 2019. To have my name included in the long list of community builders makes me proud. This award represents the pinnacle of all my achievements.
8. What advice would you give to someone who wants to become more involved in community work but isn’t sure where to begin?
Go for it! Find an organization where you feel you can add value. Get involved in the various roles available and use your strengths to make a positive difference.