CLERGY & STAFF
RABBI CRAIG SCHEFF
Rabbi Craig Scheff did not follow a traditional path to the rabbinate. Though his friends nick-named him “Rabs” in high school, and despite the many Saturday mornings he spent in synagogue at his father’s side, his formal Jewish studies did not begin until college, and even that was part of a path to law school. While attending Harvard University, Rabbi Scheff chose a concentration in Near Eastern Studies, and graduated with honors magna cum laude. Upon graduation, he entered Boston University School of Law, where he earned several honors 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. Click to Read More...
JUSTIN RUBINSTEIN
PRESIDENT
Justin Rubinstein, his wife Lauren and their two children Sawyer (14) and Hadley (12) live in New City and joined the OJC in 2016. They love the open, welcoming and supportive nature of the OJC community and how comfortable their children feel among the congregation. Justin is currently the Vice President Finance & Treasurer on the Executive Board, Treasurer on the Kulanu board and his family is very active in the Jewish Camping Movements (Ramah and 6-Point Sci-Tech). Since 2013 both kids have attended Ramah Nyack and Lauren has been on the nursing staff and now both kids attend sleep away programs in MA and the Poconos. Justin grew up in Worcester, MA, was a long-time member of Congregation Beth Israel and attended Camp Avoda sleep away camp in Middleboro, MA. Justin has an MBA from NYU Leonard N. Stern School of Business and a BA in Mathematics and Economics from Colgate University. He is currently the Divisional Finance Officer for Chubb Insurance Company’s Global Digital & Analytics Business focused on supporting the sales, customer experience and IT executives as they transform the company in the digital age including the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Justin is an avid alpine ski racer, crossfitter, ultra trail runner, mountain biker, likes to travel and listen to country music, but most of all loves spending time with his family.
RABBI AMI
HERSH
Rabbi Ami Hersh was raised in the warm Jewish community of Providence, Rhode Island. Through his attendance at the community Jewish day school, his family’s commitment to synagogue life, and a home that was filled with holiday celebrations and a love for Israel, he was set on a path to the rabbinate from an early age. As the Jewish Family Life Coordinator at the OJC, he is fulfilling his dream of creating vibrant, engaging and fun experiences for Jewish families. In addition to his work at the OJC, Rabbi Hersh serves as the Director of Ramah Day Camp in Nyack and is the Program Director of the National Ramah Commission. Click to Read More...
KRISTA BOHN
Krista Bohn has been with the Orangetown Jewish Center since March of 2000. She is responsible for the inner-workings of the OJC office and overseeing the daily operations and maintenance of the synagogue. She handles everything ranging from general inquiries and membership information to program information and school registration, as well as scheduling and catering.
OFFICE
ADMINISTRATOR
RABBI SHELLEY KNIAZ
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
SHARON RAPPAPORT
YOUTH DIRECTOR
Sharon Rappaport is a native of Rockland County. She grew up in Nanuet, NY, went off to Tel Aviv University, as well as George Washington University, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration in 1986.
While working in a family business, Sharon realized that her love of children and Judaism needed to be addressed directly. She began teaching at Beth Am Temple in their Confirmation Program while returning to graduate school at night.
AMICHAI MARGOLIS
MUSIC DIRECTOR
Amichai Margolis is the Music Director of the OJC allowing him to be the lead singer/guitarist/band leader of "Scooby Jew," our educational Jewish rock band. In his spare time, Amichai owns and operates Joyful Studios, a small professional studio. He and his wife, Kari, have two sons, Lev and Rafi
Amichai is currently the Minister of Music/Musical Director of the Leffell Lower School, a position he has held since 2000. A graduate of Johnson and Wales University in Providence, RI, Amichai founded and directed the Jewish a cappella group “Kol B’yachad” at Brown University. Click to Read More...