Rabbi Nate Crane
Want to honor this person?
Make a donation to JUF in recognition of this 36 Under 36 honoree. Any donation up to $36 will be matched in full—doubling your impact!
DONATE NOW
Rabbi Nate Crane, the new rabbi of Beth Hillel Bnai Emunah in Wilmette, is a rock star in the Conservative Jewish world.
People of all ages flock to his adult education classes at his synagogue, where he inspires a love of foundational texts and collective learning. His weekly Talmud class, for instance, engages more than 40 students in deep and intentional conversations about the evolution of Jewish law and rabbinic literature.
The rabbi's passion and prowess for Jewish law recently led to his appointment as one of 25 voting rabbis of the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards, the governing body determining Jewish law and practice for the entire Conservative movement.
He also authored the responsum (a written reply on a matter of Jewish law) called "Adoption," exploring the halachic status of people who have been adopted and offering a Jewish ritual to celebrate and mark adoption.
In everything he does for the community, he walks alongside individuals of all ages on their Jewish journeys.
AGE:
35
PRIMARY GIG:
Rabbi of Beth Hillel Bnai Emunah
ON THE SIDE:
Lifelong learner, voracious reader, and author focused on Jewish law
RELATIONSHIP STATUS:
Married to my college sweetheart and best friend, Rachel. We share two strong, smart, fun, and loving daughters
SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME:
When I was younger and lived in New Jersey, I won second place in my age group at the New Jersey State Gymnastics All-Around Competition, then placed 11th in the Regional All-Around Competition.
YOUR BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:
As Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel wrote: “Inquire of your soul what does it know, what does it take for granted. It will tell you only nothing is taken for granted; each thing is a surprise; being is unbelievable.”
CHICAGO'S JEWISH COMMUNITY IN 10 YEARS:
Chicago’s Jewish community has long been a flourishing center of Jewish life. Since the start of the pandemic, partnerships between synagogues and other Jewish organizations and educational institutions have only grown more robust and effective. Our recent shared history can embolden the significant vibrancy, connection, and continued development of Chicago’s Jewish community. In other words, I am incredibly optimistic and excited!
.jpg)
