Meet our November Family of the Month: The Stern Family
Remy and Karen, their children Victoria (13), Lilah (12), and Benjamin (7)
After moving from New York City to San Francisco in 2023, the family joined Beth Sholom in September 2024. They first heard about our community through other parents at the Brandeis School of San Francisco, where their children are enrolled. Those parents described Beth Sholom as a special place - a warm, inclusive community - and after attending a couple of events, the family decided to join.
Today, Beth Sholom has become a happy place for their family, and one that truly feels like home.
What do you love most about Beth Sholom?
“The community! Everyone has been incredibly kind and welcoming.”
What are your favorite Jewish holidays?
It’s a tie between Hanukkah and Passover. The kids would vote for any holiday that involves lots of fried foods and chocolate, while Passover is a special time for the family to come together with relatives.
Tell us a little about your family and traditions.
The family speaks both English and Spanish at home. Karen grew up in the Jewish community of Cali, Colombia, a city of three million people with a Jewish community of just 3,000. She moved to the United States to attend college.
Today, their extended family is spread across Colombia, Panama, Israel, and England, but they make a point of gathering for family vacations and spending time together.
What has your Beth Sholom experience been like so far?
Since joining, the family has enjoyed attending Shabbat services and holiday celebrations. Their daughter Victoria just had her Bat Mitzvah last month!
They have loved getting to know fellow congregants and being part of such a welcoming and caring community. Most of all, they appreciate seeing their children discover that Beth Sholom is a place where they can explore and grow their Jewish identities.