Rabbi Craig Scheff
Rabbi Craig Scheff, the spiritual leader of the Orangetown Jewish Center, did not follow a traditional path to the rabbinate. Though his formal studies in Judaica began in college while attending Harvard University and graduating magna cum laude with a concentration in Near Eastern Studies, Rabbi Scheff chose to pursue a career in law. He 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 the Orangetown Jewish Center.
Rabbi Scheff was ordained in 1998 and accepted the position of Rabbi at the Orangetown Jewish Center, where his leadership has resulted in the extraordinary growth of its community from a synagogue of 230 family units to a community of over 500 family units. (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 Scheff's formative experiences include his earliest years in Boston, being raised with three sisters, making aliyah to Israel at the age of 6, and returning to New City, NY at the age of 9. He has a strong commitment to USY, Camp Ramah and the Rockland Jewish community, all influential parts of his upbringing.
In January 2011, Rabbi Scheff was appointed to a two-year term as chairman of Israel Bonds' National Rabbinic Cabinet. He serves as a mentor to JTS rabbinical students, and is Adjunct Professor at the Jewish Theological Seminary, facilitating a 4th year Rabbinical School Seminar. Rabbi Scheff serves on the Board of the Reuben Gittelman Hebrew Day School. He is also a National Council member of AIPAC. Rabbi Craig Scheff 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 the local and broader Jewish community.
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