About Us
Rabbi Shimon Kramer
In 1995, Rabbi Shimon Kramer graduated from The Chabad Rabbinical College of Sydney, Australia, with a degree in Rabbinics and a specialty in education. During his Rabbinical training, Rabbi Kramer attended programs given by the Bar Ilan University in Israel and taught middle school classes under the supervision and guidance of local professors.
Upon completion of his Rabbinical training, Rabbi Kramer was given the mandate to establish a high school in Safed, Israel for American children who wanted an Israeli school. During the following two years he developed the curriculum and the administrative foundation for the long-term growth of the school, now flourishing with over 100 students.
In 2000, Rabbi Kramer traveled to Estonia to provide High Holiday services for the Jewish community (it was the first time a Rabbi performed High Holiday services there since World War 2). After seeing the needs of the community, he ensured the placement of a permanent Rabbi in Estonia. Today, with the help of the Rabbi, Estonia is a thriving Jewish community.
After his marriage to Chanie, Rabbi Kramer continued his post-graduate studies in the Lubavitch Kollel for Advanced Torah Studies, while at the same time continuing to fulfill a part-time teaching assignment.
In 2002, Rabbi Kramer was chosen by the Maimonides Day School of Lake Grove, Long Island to expand Jewish education and enrollment for the Suffolk Jewish Community. He then founded the Jewish Academy, which began with a preschool program and now has classes through Grade 4. Rabbi Kramer has unique skills and experience as a Rabbinic scholar, educator and administrator.
Since September of 2006-the present, Rabbi Kramer has dedicated his time to the advancement of Jewish pride, awareness & education in the Merrick, Bellmore, and Wantagh area through the many programs that Chabad offers to the community.
Mrs. Chanie Kramer
In 1995 Chanie Kramer (nee Halberstam) graduated from Beth Rivka High School in Brooklyn, NY. She then attended an all Girls’ Seminary in Cape Town, South Africa. During this time she ran programs for the community, offering adult education, youth programs, and a Jewish children’s club. In addition, she completed early childhood and teacher training programs.
In 1996, Chanie spent the year in Omaha, Nebraska doing outreach activities for Chabad of Omaha. During her stay, she gave classes for children and adults, organized holiday programs, a Jewish children’s club, and Shabbatons.
From 1997-2001, Chanie was a Judaic studies teacher in New York for first and second graders in Maimonides Day School, Lake Grove and in Beth Rivkah Girls School, Brooklyn. During her years as a teacher, she prepared many Judaic materials and visual aids, which are still being used today.
From 2002-2011, Chanie was the director of Gan Israel Day Camps of Suffolk County which flourished with many happy campers.
From 2008-present, Chanie directs the Jewish Early Learning Center of Merrick-Bellmore along with the many Chabad programs throughout the year.
Chanie and Rabbi Kramer are the proud parents of 7 children k.a.h.– Mendel, Aizik, Leibel, Binyamin, Sarah Mushka, Tzerna Mirel, and Devorah Leah
