About Rabbi Craig

Rabbi Craig Marantz (he, him, his) became Sha’arei Shalom’s spiritual leader in July 2023 and feels very blessed to impact life as a rabbi – to serve God and people; to live, teach, and learn Torah; to grapple with faith; to bring healing to the world, to be a force for good. He’s so delighted to join you at Sha’arei Shalom.

A native of Los Angeles, Rabbi Marantz is married to Betsy, and they have two children, Cara and Jared, both in college, and a fun pup named Zeus, who wishes he was in college.

Rabbi Marantz is a kind, caring and flexible leader with 21st-century vision and a hearing, empathic heart. Over the years, he has implemented innovative and creative approaches to engagement, helping Jewish folks – together with their families, friends, and allies – in their pursuits of sacred community, prayer and ritual practice, lifelong learning, youth and teen engagement, social justice, shared leadership, and spiritual entrepreneurship.

Ordained in 1999 from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York City, Rabbi Marantz also has a Master’s degree in Education from Stanford University and a Bachelor’s degree in History from UCLA.

Rabbi Marantz has served as a congregational rabbi and educator for over two decades.

Contact Rabbi Craig at rabbi@shaareishalom.org