Meet Our October Family of the Month: The Summer-Ragones

Alexa Summer, David Ragone, Asher (12), and Naomi (9)

Alexa first came to Beth Sholom in 2009, when she and David moved to San Francisco as newlyweds. The congregation immediately felt like home, reminding Alexa of the meaningful Jewish community she experienced at Harvard Hillel during college. They officially became members in 2014 while expecting their first child, Asher.

For the Summer-Ragone family, Beth Sholom is much more than a synagogue - it's where their children have grown up. Asher and Naomi have spent their lives feeling completely at home in the halls of Beth Sholom, surrounded by a warm, welcoming, multigenerational community. Those lifelong friendships have been a tremendous gift to their family. Inspired by that sense of belonging, Alexa served on the Beth Sholom Board from 2017–2023, an experience she wholeheartedly recommends to others looking to deepen their connection to the congregation.

Although their extended Jewish family lives far away, one tradition they especially treasure is gathering together for a Passover Seder - complete with a favorite family brisket.

There are plenty of fun facts about this family! Asher carries David's last name, while Naomi carries Alexa's. Both children are fluent in French and study modern Hebrew on weekends, and Asher is also learning Spanish. They are also a devoted basketball family and love exploring new ideas and learning about the world together.

Looking ahead, the Summer-Ragone family hopes Beth Sholom continues to foster deep connections - to God, to one another, to Israel, and to providing an outstanding Jewish education for the next generation. Most of all, they hope others continue to find the same sense of belonging that has made Beth Sholom feel like home for their family.