Sarrae G. Crane is the Executive Director of MERCAZ. A product of Temple Sholom of Westbury, NY, Sarrae’s first trips to Israel were with USY, and since then, she has returned to Israel on multiple occasions. In fact, she attended the first of several Zionist Congresses as a youth delegate.

Sarrae brings a vast work experience to MERCAZ. She coordinated the Zionist Congress elections for the American Zionism Federation (now AZM) and worked as Executive Director of the Labor Zionist Alliance. At the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, she was the Director of Social Action & Public Policy, Israel Affairs & Biennial Convention. Most recently, she served as the Executive Director of Women’s League for Conservative Judaism.

Sarrae is a graduate of Barnard College, with master’s degrees from both Columbia and Brandeis Universities. She is married to Rabbi Jonathan Waxman, who serves Temple Beth Sholom of Smithtown.

As MERCAZ President Dr. Marilyn Wind noted, “Sarrae has deep roots in the Conservative Movement and has a long-time involvement with Israel and Zionism. We are proud to have her as our new director.”