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CLERGY & STAFF

Our Rabbis

Rabbi Stephanie Alexander

Stephanie Alexander

Rabbi

Joseph Rosen

Rabbi

Anthony D. Holz, D.D.

Rabbi Emeritus

Our Staff

Mark Swick

Mark Swick

Executive Director

Bates O'Neal

Music & Artistic Director

Melani Archer

Melanie Archer

Religious School Director

Laura Owens

Laura Owens

Communications & Programming Associate

Shula Hola

Shula Holz

B'nai Mitzvah Coordinator

Caitlin Rumph

Caitlin Rumph

Executive Assistant

Johnny Valdes

Facilities Director

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Rabbi Stephanie Alexander received her undergraduate degree from Tulane University, and ordination, as well as Masters degrees in Hebrew Literature and Religious Education, from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, studying on its Jerusalem, Cincinnati and New York campuses.

Throughout her training and practice as a rabbi and educator – including at Temple Beth El in Dubuque, IA; Temple Isaiah in Lexington, MA; and in the Youth Department of the Union for Reform Judaism – Rabbi Alexander has sought out institutions that value creativity, inclusivity, and spirituality – all of which brought her to Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim in the summer of 2010.

Since that time, in partnership with KKBE’s dedicated lay leadership and staff, the congregation has expanded its adult education offerings, made multiple trips to Israel and other worldwide destinations, welcomed dynamic scholars and artists in residence, and deepened its involvement in social justice. Rabbi Alexander and KKBE were founding members of CAJM, the Charleston Area Justice Ministry, a faith-based social justice organization of 29 diverse congregations. She has served on its board since its inception, most recently as co-President. In 2016, Rabbi Alexander was awarded the John H. Gillison Award for Racial Healing by the South Carolina Christian Action Council, the first female and the first Jewish recipient of the award.

But more important than anything, Rabbi Alexander is wife to Rabbi Aaron Sherman, who serves as a spiritual leader to Beth Israel Congregation in Florence, SC and Chaplain for Jewish Family Services of Greater Charleston; and mother to Eli, whose accomplishments will most assuredly far surpass hers someday.

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Rabbi Joseph Rosen is from Rochester, Minnesota. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Brandeis University before pursuing ordination and a Master’s degree in Hebrew Letters from Hebrew Union College — Jewish Institute of Religion, where he studied in Jerusalem and Cincinnati.

Before becoming Associate Rabbi at Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim in the summer of 2024, Rabbi Rosen served Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, MS, collaborating with congregants to foster a creative, inclusive atmosphere for worship, learning, and community. In Mississippi, Rabbi Rosen participated with Working Together Jackson, served as faculty at URJ Henry S. Jacobs Camp, and was on the Southwestern Area of Reform Rabbis Conference board, developing an affinity for Southern Jewish living. He enjoys lending his perspective as a member of the Resolutions Committee for the Central Conference of American Rabbis. Before ordination, Rabbi Rosen served as rabbinic intern at Isaac M. Wise Temple and Rockdale Temple in Cincinnati, OH, at the Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism, and student pulpits in West Virginia, South Dakota, and Missouri.

Rabbi Rosen is excited to bring enthusiasm and curiosity to our Jewish community in the Lowcountry, especially to our younger learners and their families. Outside the office, he enjoys long drives, sports, movie and game nights, and always travels with a frisbee.

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Rabbi Anthony David Holz assumed the spiritual leadership of KKBE in August,1992 and transitioned to Rabbi Emeritus in August of 2010. Rabbi Holz was born and educated in Cape Town, South Africa, where he received a B.A. degree with a major in music. He completed his rabbinic studies at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, Ohio and was ordained in 1970. He was awarded his Doctor of Divinity degree in 1995.

Rabbi Holz and his wife, Judy, have three adult daughters and four grandchildren, and they reside in Los Angeles.