As a lifelong member of Temple Beth-El and the Levite JCC, Judaism and the Birmingham Jewish community have always played a central role in Steven Corenblum’s life. “My connections to these institutions are a core part of my identity,” he says.
In January, Steven became the 41st president of the Levite JCC Board of Directors.
B’ham born and raised, Steven and his family have deep ties to the city, where he attended Crestline Elementary and Indian Springs School. His three older sisters still reside in Birmingham while an older brother lives in Atlanta. He and wife Caryn met at Emory University, and they have three sons and one grandchild. After Harvard Law School Steven returned to Birmingham and practiced corporate law at the Berkowitz, Lefkovits firm before retiring in 2024.
Steven’s extended family includes 13 nieces, nephews, and children, but only one lives in Birmingham. “The departure of young people from Birmingham is a significant concern for me,” he says.
“I worry that future generations may not have the same experience that I did, which motivates me to focus on improving and enhancing our Jewish community.”
We caught up with Steven and slowed him down long enough to answer a few questions…
The interview
LJCC: What does the Levite JCC mean to you personally, and how has your relationship with The J evolved over time?
SC: The Levite JCC has always felt like a second home to me. I grew up here, and later my three sons spent much of their childhood at The J — attending NEMJDS for elementary school, participating in summer camp, and playing youth sports. Because of that history, the LJCC is a source of great pride for me and for our entire community. It has always been a place that is open and welcoming to all, reflecting core Jewish values of hospitality and welcoming the stranger.
What experiences in your life best prepared you for being board president?
I have served on many boards — both civic and professional — and through those experiences I’ve seen a wide range of leadership styles. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to expect the unexpected. Effective leadership requires flexibility, humility, and staying grounded in one’s values. My goal is to lead in a way that is authentic to who I am, and that means listening more than talking. As the Rabbis taught, “Who is wise? He who learns from everyone.”
What first attracted you to serve on the board, and what inspired you to take on the role of president now?
I have served on the Levite JCC board on and off for more than 30 years. Initially, I was encouraged by my law firm to become involved in the community as a way of paying “civic rent,” a value that is deeply respected in the legal profession. At the same time, my parents instilled in me the belief that we are responsible for looking after one another and leaving the world better than we found it.
As I became more involved, I saw firsthand how essential The J is — not only to the Jewish community, but to the greater Birmingham community as well. That made it easy to stay engaged.
Now that I’m retired, I’m at a point in life where I can fully commit the time and energy this role deserves. I was inspired by the example of Isa Dorsky, whose leadership was a soulful and lasting contribution to our community.
What role does The J play in Birmingham, and what strengths do you want to build on?
The JCC plays a critical role in the life of our city. Many Birmingham residents view it as the central gathering place of the Jewish community. It is widely known as a place defined by kindness and hospitality, and it stands as a symbol of the important role Jews have played in the history of Birmingham. Moving forward, I hope we will continue to expand our outreach to the broader community and use our platform to share Jewish values with all of Birmingham.
What initiatives would you like to focus on as president?
I hope to continue strengthening both our physical plant and our financial health, ensuring that The J remains vibrant and sustainable for generations to come. I would also like to raise The J’s profile within the Jewish community and, most importantly, encourage our Jewish agencies and organizations to work together more collaboratively. The combined annual meetings of five Jewish organizations this past January demonstrated just how much we can accomplish when we come together with shared purpose.