Rachel Kraus
As a young child, Rachel Kraus walked alongside her pregnant mother, asking to be carried when her little legs grew tired. Instead, it was her grandmother who lifted her up, providing the strength and support her mother couldn't at that moment. This small memory, preserved through the years, captures the essence of Rachel's upbringing—one built on unwavering familial bonds, care, and the quiet strength that would shape her life's journey.
"This moment, though small, encapsulated the essence of her upbringing—one centered on care, strength, and unwavering familial bonds," Rachel reflects, highlighting how even the simplest childhood experiences can leave lasting impressions on our understanding of family and support.
Early Life
Rachel Kraus grew up in a home filled with love, music, and faith—elements that would become central themes throughout her life. Her parents cultivated an environment that valued hard work, integrity, and creative expression, encouraging Rachel to follow her heart without overanalyzing the consequences.
This open-minded approach to parenting led Rachel to pursue music at the prestigious Juilliard School, a decision she made without fear of how it might influence her future. Her parents' guidance fostered a spirit of curiosity and self-assurance that continues to inform her choices today.
Rachel's academic journey was impressive by any standard. She graduated from the Sy Syms School of Business with a dual degree in marketing and music, which included coursework at Juilliard. Later, she completed her MBA at NYU, concentrating in finance, entertainment, media, and technology—building a foundation for the multifaceted career that would follow.
However, the most profound influence on Rachel's early life came from her four grandparents—all Holocaust survivors. Each left a distinct but equally powerful imprint on her worldview, teaching her about joy, history, faith, and resilience in their own unique ways. Whether through religious observance, community-building, or simply embracing the gift of life, each grandparent contributed to the tapestry of values that Rachel carries forward.
Threads of Wisdom
The wisdom Rachel inherited from her family forms the cornerstone of her identity and approach to life. From her grandparents' experiences surviving the Holocaust, she learned profound lessons about resilience, gratitude, and finding joy even in difficult circumstances.
The greatest lesson Rachel carries with her is the importance of knowing who she is and where she comes from. She constantly reflects on the wisdom of her parents and grandparents, using their guidance as a moral compass. Every decision she makes is weighed against their teachings, ensuring that she walks through life with intention and honor.
For Rachel, Judaism isn't merely a religion but a holistic way of life—combining faith, ritual, and an unwavering sense of divine presence. She describes her belief in God as "something deep and primal, a constant assurance that she is held in His hands." This spiritual foundation provides her with strength and purpose through life's challenges and successes alike.
Beyond faith, Rachel's belief system is anchored in integrity, global responsibility, and empathy. She sees gratitude as the foundation upon which other virtues like resilience, joy, and perseverance are built. This perspective—viewing gratitude as essential rather than optional—reflects the wisdom passed down through generations that survived unimaginable hardship yet maintained their humanity and capacity for joy.
Rachel also believes deeply in the significance of one's name and reputation. She strives to ensure that when people hear her name, they associate it with authenticity and goodness—a philosophy that guides both her personal interactions and professional endeavors.
Reflections
As Rachel reflects on her life journey, she expresses no regrets but acknowledges one wish—that she had served in the Israel Defense Forces. This desire speaks to her deep connection with her heritage and commitment to the Jewish community, values that now express themselves through her work as Director of Community Education at Kehilath Jeshurun, where she provides pastoral care and facilitates educational programming as part of the clergy team.
When asked what moment she would choose to relive if given the opportunity, Rachel doesn't hesitate: "The moment she fell in love with her husband—the ultimate act of surrender and discovery." She also treasures the experience of bringing her children into the world, describing it as "an unparalleled encounter with the divine and the essence of creation."
Rachel's professional journey reflects her multifaceted interests and talents. As Managing Director/Partner at DoAble, a brand strategy and marketing collective, and an Executive-in-Residence at LionTree LLC, she combines business acumen with purpose-driven initiatives. Her fifteen-year tenure at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, where she led marketing for the World Trade Center retail development and spearheaded global projects including the 2012 London Olympic Games, demonstrates her ability to excel in high-pressure corporate environments while maintaining her core values.
Looking toward the future, Rachel aspires "to be a force for good, always striving for growth and using her gifts to unlock opportunities for others." This desire to create positive impact—whether through her marketing expertise, community leadership, or role as a parent—exemplifies how the lessons from her family continue to influence her choices and priorities.
Rachel Kraus's story reminds us that knowing where we come from provides essential guidance for where we're going. By honoring the wisdom of her ancestors while forging her own path, she demonstrates how family legacy can be both an anchor and a launching point—grounding us in values while propelling us toward new possibilities.
