Cheryl Rosenstein was born and raised in Long Beach, California. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of California at Santa Barbara. At that point, Cheryl had decisions to make. She explored career choices that might satisfy her interest in people and make good use of her natural strengths and talents. She thought of herself as a good listener, a good problem solver. Cheryl loved to sing and enjoyed writing. Her study and exploration led to a religious vocation and the Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion, ordained Cheryl in 1990. Her rabbinical studies included spending one year in Israel, immersed in the Jewish culture and becoming fluent in the spoken form of Hebrew.

Rabbi Cheryl Rosenstein came to Temple Beth El in Bakersfield in 1993. When asked about the challenges of being the first woman rabbi to lead a congregation in Kern County, the Rabbi commented that she encountered very little resistance because women had been ordained in the Jewish Reform Movement since 1972. In effect, other women had paved the way and she benefited from their experiences and accomplishments. That does not mean her pastoral role has been without challenges. The Rabbi, with honesty and humility says, " the rabbinate is not an easy path. Congregants only see a portion of our responsibilities, a rabbi’s duties range from administrator to worship coordinator to counselor. We must blend these duties with personal and family responsibilities. And balance is my challenge. At times, I find myself at risk of being spread too thin. I think a better sense of balance is something women bring to ministry – we understand the need for it. When we maintain appropriate balance in our lives, we set a good example for the congregation."

Rabbi Rosenstein finds her greatest professional fulfillment in two ways: teaching the Torah, guiding a pupil’s discovery of the beauty and wonder in its sacred words; and sharing milestone moments of joy and sorrow in the lives of those she serves at Temple Beth El. She has also served the larger community as a past president of the Bakersfield Interfaith Ministerial Association and as a member of the board of the Kern County Children’s Services Advisory Team.

Rabbi Cheryl Rosenstein is married to Richard Shiell. They are the parents of two daughters, Jessica and Ariana.