Rabbi Craig Scheff
Rabbi Craig Scheff, the spiritual leader of the Orangetown Jewish Center, although always interested in Judaism, did not come into the rabbinate via a direct path.
Born in Boston, he, his parents and three sisters lived at times in Maryland and in Israel during his childhood. They then moved to New City in Rockland County, NY where, in 1982, Rabbi Scheff graduated from Clarkstown High School North.
Attending Harvard University, Rabbi Scheff began his formal Judaic studies and graduated magna cum laude with a concentration in Near Eastern Studies. He then entered Boston University School of Law where he was awarded first prize in the Albers Moot Court Competition, and received the G. Joseph Tauro Award for Outstanding Ability in Oral Advocacy. Upon becoming a member of the Massachusetts Bar in 1989, Rabbi Scheff practiced commercial litigation for three years.
Feeling spiritually unfulfilled, Rabbi Scheff, with his wife Nancy's support, gave up his career in Law and began the long process of studying towards the rabbinate. With their two young boys, they returned to Rockland County so he could attend the Jewish Theological Seminary while serving as cantor at Congregation Sons of Israel in Nyack, and then at Orangetown Jewish Center in Orangeburg.
Rabbi Scheff was ordained in 1998 and accepted the position of Rabbi of the Orangetown Jewish Center where his leadership has resulted in extraordinary growth of its community. (Rabbi and Nancy Scheff also increased their own family with two more boys. Their four sons, Matthew, Scott, Jason, and Jared, are adored and respected by the congregation.)
Rabbi Craig Scheff serves on the Board of the Reuben Gittelman Hebrew Day School and the JCC-Y of Rockland County. He is also vice-chair of Israel Bonds National Rabbinic Cabinet, and Adjunct Professor at the Jewish Theological Seminary, teaching 1st year Rabbinical School Seminar. He has been recognized by his teachers, colleagues, and community for his vision, spirituality, commitment to Israel and active participation in promoting Judaic values for the betterment of all mankind.
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