Rabbi Shimon Kramer
Rabbi Shimon Kramer’s dedication to Jewish education and leadership began with his graduation from the Chabad Rabbinical College of Sydney, Australia, where he specialized in Rabbinics and education. His early accomplishments included founding a high school in Safed, Israel, for American students, and bringing High Holiday services to Estonia for the first time since World War II, paving the way for a thriving Jewish community there.
Mrs. Chanie Kramer
Chanie Kramer (née Halberstam) is an experienced educator and community builder. After graduating from Beth Rivka High School in Brooklyn, she continued her studies in Cape Town, South Africa, and Omaha, Nebraska, where she developed impactful programs for children and adults. Her teaching career in New York was marked by innovative educational materials that are still in use today.
Our Shared Vision
Since moving to Merrick in 2006, Rabbi Shimon and Chanie Kramer have worked together to create a vibrant Jewish community. As founders of the Alan & Tatyana Forman Jewish Early Learning Center, Chabad Hebrew School & Camp Gan Israel, they provide a nurturing environment for young learners while also leading a variety of programs that inspire Jewish pride, connection, and growth for individuals and families throughout Merrick, Bellmore, and Wantagh.
Through Chabad, the Kramers offer opportunities for individuals and families to connect with their heritage, explore Jewish traditions, and experience the joy of community. Whether through education, holiday celebrations, or personal guidance, they strive to ensure that every person who walks through their doors feels a sense of belonging.
They are the proud parents of seven children—Mendel (who married Esther Malka Friedman in April 2024), Aizik, Leibel, Binyamin, Sarah Mushka, Tzerna Mirel, and Devorah Leah—and continue to inspire the next generation with their shared commitment to Jewish life and values.
