Our Rabbi & Clergy
Rabbi Amanda Russell
Rabbi Amanda Russell has served Congregation Beth Sholom for the last seven years. She joined the synagogue in 2015 and has recently become the spiritual leader and Rabbi for the congregation.
Rabbi Russell is passionate about building a warm and vibrant community by helping each individual find their own unique connection to Judaism.
She has spent much of her time at Beth Sholom, especially during the pandemic, seeking creative ways to connect people of all ages to Judaism, whether it be through small affinity groups (Kehilla Connect), bringing together New and Expecting Parents, social and educational activities for young adults (Young(ish)), those interested in converting or learning more about Judaism (Introduction to Judaism), or by bringing in new and old melodies to invigorate prayer experiences. One of Rabbi Russell’s initial reasons for joining the clergy of Beth Sholom was its long history of being known as a community that cares deeply for each other and that loves to sing. An important goal for her is to build on that rich history.
Rabbi Russell was born and raised in Philadelphia. She first took interest in service leading and studying nusach around the time of her Bat Mitzvah. She studied at the University of Pittsburgh and served two congregations in Pittsburgh before enrolling in and receiving her ordination from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in Los Angeles.
Rabbi Russell lives in San Francisco’s Richmond District with her husband, David, and daughters, Reva and Arianna (Ari) Katz. She is not sure who loves San Francisco more - she or David. They, along with their daughters, are thrilled to be living in this beautiful city and to be part of this amazing and vibrant Jewish community.
Rabbi Emerita Dorothy Richman
Rabbi Dorothy Richman offered her first drash at Congregation Beth Sholom in October 1999. She has had a hard time staying away ever since. Rabbi Richman served as Associate Rabbi at CBS with Rabbi Alan Lew z"l from 2000-2003. She has continued to lead high holy days services, teach classes, mourn at funerals and celebrate simchas with Beth Sholom for over twenty years. She continues to teach with Makor Or co-founder Norman Fischer and is delighted that Makor Or has returned to its Beth Sholom home. While “Rabbi Emerita” often denotes a retired Rabbi of a community, Rabbi Richman is an active part of the clergy team, officiating one Shabbat per month in the Sanctuary in addition to all of her Rabbinic contributions. Rabbi Richman teaches Torah throughout the Bay Area and is senior faculty with the Institute of Jewish Spirituality.