Ordained in 1999 from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York City, Rabbi Craig Marantz has a Master’s degree in Education from Stanford University and a Bachelor’s degree in History from UCLA. He loves being a rabbi. He says of his calling: “I enjoy accompanying congregants along their lifelong path of Jewish learning and spirituality. I especially appreciate the opportunity to shape a sense of community within my congregation, through happy times and sad.”

Prior to coming to Emanuel, he served as Rabbi at Congregation Kol Haverim in Glastonbury, CT, Associate Rabbi at Temple Israel in Omaha, Nebraska, and Director of Education at The Temple on Peachtree in Atlanta, Georgia,

Rabbi Marantz will help renew and re-envision Emanuel Congregation for the realities of the 21st century in our diverse, urban setting. Rabbi Marantz has over 17 years as a Jewish educator and congregational leader. He is revered by those who know him as kind, caring, gentle, flexible, a great listener, and a visionary. Rabbi Marantz integrates his zest for art and music into worship. He is passionate about social justice. He joined the America's Journey for Justice March from Selma to Washington to support the NAACP's fight against racism. He utilizes innovative and creative programs to engage congregants in building and strengthening community, prayer and ritual practice, lifelong learning, youth and teen engagement, social justice, and shared leadership.

Rabbi Marantz, his wife Betsy, and their children Cara and Jared are thankful to be in Chicago and part of the Emanuel family.