Louis Reinstein (class of ’96) discovered Jewish Studies at UF the way a lot of students do, by following his curiosity. “I found the classes interesting and at the time I was planning on teaching,” he recalls.
One course left a lasting mark. Visiting professor Miriam Peskowitz taught a rabbinic Judaism course that stayed with him long after the semester ended. “She made it interesting and gave creative assignments,” said Reinstein. This course left him wanting more and led him to a master’s program in Jewish Studies at Emory University.
After teaching at a Jewish Day School in South Florida for several years, Reinstein pivoted his career path. He attended law school and and began working as an attorney and mediator. In 2022 he was elected to the Plantation City Council, where still serves. He lives in plantation with his wife, Adi, and their two sons.
These days, Reinstein’s story has come full circle. He sits on the Shorstein Center’s Advisory Board and looks forward to mentoring students who are, like him, interested in Jewish studies and curious to see where it leads them.
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