About -> Clergy and Staff

Rabbi Stephanie Alexander

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 over 30 diverse congregations. She has served on its board and 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.

Rabbi Alexander’s husband, Rabbi Aaron Sherman, serves as spiritual leader to Beth Israel Congregation in Florence, SC and Chaplain for Jewish Family Services of Greater Charleston. They have one son, Eli, and have all come to enjoy the beauty and opportunities of life in the Lowcountry.

Anthony D. Holz, D.D.

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.