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.
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Mark Swick joined KKBE’s professional team as Executive Director in July 2020. As Executive Director, Mark is responsible for the daily operation of the Synagogue, implementing policies and procedures adopted by the Board, overseeing building operations and security, monitoring compliance with the budget, and coordinating activities of staff with volunteers and committees. Mark has been an active congregant at KKBE since relocating to Charleston in 2012 and served on KKBE’s Board of Trustees from 2017-2020. As a committed Jewish Communal Professional, Mark values relationships, and has a passion for ensuring the success of Jewish organizations.
A native of the Washington, DC suburbs, Mark completed his undergraduate studies in Jewish Studies and History at Indiana University (2010) before spending two years as an Education Fellow with the Institute of Southern Jewish Life in Jackson, MS.
Mark moved to Charleston, SC in 2012 to serve the Yaschik/Arnold Jewish Studies Program at the College of Charleston as Jewish Community Liaison. In this position, Mark oversaw various non-academic functions related to Jewish Studies’ mission, including fundraising, volunteer coordination, and extensive programming. During his time at the College of Charleston, Mark also served as Executive Director of the Jewish Historical Society of South Carolina, an active state-wide organization housed at the College.
Mark lives in West Ashley with his wife, Ellen, and young daughter, Nora. They are regulars at Tot Shabbat and Mark can be found in the building almost any day of the week. Please say Hello!
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Bates O’Neal brings a rich background in classical music and a deep love for Jewish musical tradition to his role as KKBE’s Music & Artistic Director. He has performed widely as a soloist and ensemble singer throughout the United States, Mexico, Italy, and the United Kingdom, appearing in choirs, operas, recitals, and orchestral works. Since joining KKBE in 2022, Bates has focused his talents on creating meaningful, engaging worship experiences through both traditional and contemporary Jewish music. In 2024, Bates was honored by Jewish Rock Radio as a “Jewish Star,” recognizing his work as one of the rising young voices shaping the future of Jewish music.
Bates is committed to building bridges between KKBE and the broader arts community, using music as a powerful tool for connection and shared expression. During the 2024–2025 season, KKBE’s music initiatives engaged more than 160 participants, including volunteer and student choir members, professional musicians, and guest artists, reflecting Bates’s inclusive and expansive vision for synagogue music. Whether shaping liturgical offerings or curating large-scale concert events, Bates strives to make KKBE’s music program a source of joy, inspiration, and community pride.
A longtime member of Charleston’s Taylor Festival Choir, Bates also serves as President of the Board of Directors for Taylor Music Group.
Bates earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music – Vocal Performance from the College of Charleston, where he received the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Music, and he holds a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from Mannes School of Music, The New School, in New York City.
