Rabbi Steve Gutow is stepping down after leading the Jewish Council for Public Affairs for 10 years.

Gutow, the JCPA president and CEO, will stay in his post while the public policy umbrella searches for a new leader.

In addition to the environment and interfaith dialogue, the JCPA under Gutow has focused on advocating for poverty relief in the United States and on protecting minorities in Sudan. Gutow, a Reconstructionist rabbi, has also sought to address increasing polarization within the Jewish community. He has advocated for a code of civility in political exchanges in the Jewish community.

“During his ten years of dedicated service he has distinguished himself in efforts to promote a secure Israel, to combat poverty and to protect our environment,” Susan Turnbull, the JCPA chairwoman, said in a statement.  — jta