My Journey
I grew up in Houston, Texas, at Congregation Beth Israel. My family is seven generations of Beth Israel legacy. My great-great-grandfather was a founding member and their first temple president. I enjoyed growing up in Houston’s humid weather, participating in JCC summer camp and competing on swim teams and gymnastic competitions.
My journey to the rabbinate began during my bat mitzvah service and continued through my vibrant youth group participation in NFTY and BBYO. During my first trip to Israel during the summer of 2001 as a junior in high school, my life changed forever. Fate would have it that on this trip I met my husband, Adam, and knew that Israel would forever be our special place.
Adam and I were very involved in Hillel throughout our college days, and after graduation I traveled to Israel for an Ulpan, Hebrew intensive, before heading off to Hebrew Union College to start my rabbinic training. It was during this time, on the beach in Tel Aviv, that Adam proposed.
Adam and I lived in Los Angeles during rabbinical school. Adam worked as a commercial real estate developer and then as a contract analyst for the Air Force while getting his MBA at Pepperdine University. We gave birth to our son, Micah, in the summer of 2010, and Micah napped while I completed my thesis.
After being ordained, we moved to Santa Rosa, California, to serve as the first Assistant Rabbi to the rapidly growing Jewish community at Congregation Shomrei Torah. We live in Wine Country with our two gregarious children, Micah and Noa.
Noa, who is a first grader, loves soccer, hip-hop, toys with tiny pieces, and baking. Micah, a fifth grader, loves to act, swim, play magic cards, and attends Jewish sleepaway camp.
Rabbi Stephanie Kramer
A Few of My Favorite Things:
Foodie at heart (any ethnicity, anywhere!)
Sukkot! I love to entertain!
Gardening (love propagating succulents)
Travel
Cooking (especially with veggies from my garden)
Art (appreciating it and making it)
Musical Theater
Baking specialty-themed cakes