Rabbi Chaim Marcus became the Rabbi of Congregation Israel of Springfield in September 2002 after having served as the congregation’s Assistant Rabbi and Youth Director. In this brief period, Rabbi Marcus has already made a dramatic impression on the community, taking advantage of the exciting diversity in the congregation and establishing a solid infrastructure for the spiritual growth of this dynamic Orthodox community in suburban New Jersey. Rabbi Marcus has raised the profile of the Congregation and the community through innovative educational programs, inclusive youth activities, and effective linkages with other organizations. He leads by strong example, and continues to influence the community through his unique vision.

The descendent of a long line of august and influential Rabbis, Rabbi Marcus was raised in Staten Island, New York, where his father served as the Rabbi of the Young Israel of Staten Island for more than twenty years before retiring and assuming the position of Rabbi Emeritus. His father is also the founding Dean of Yeshiva Reishit Yerushalayim, now located in Beit Shemesh, Israel, where Rabbi Marcus and all of his brothers have taught.

Rabbi Marcus was educated at the Rabbi Jacob Joseph Yeshiva and at Yeshiva University High School before joining his family in Israel where he completed his high school studies and learned at Yeshiva Har Etzion under the tutelage of the renowned Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein. He then returned to Yeshiva University where he received a bachelor’s degree in economics from Yeshiva College followed by his rabbinic ordination (Smicha) from the Rabbi Yitzchak Elchonon Seminary. He is currently completeing his master’s degree in Jewish Education from the Azrieli School of Education.

Rabbi Marcus and his wife Lea have five children: Sara Golda, Aryeh Yehuda, Rivka Nechama, Yosef Yechezkel and Rachel Tova. In addition to his duties at Congregation Israel, Rabbi Marcus teaches at Bruriah High School, is part of the senior educational staff at Camp Mesorah, participates in Springfield civic affairs, and always finds time to play in the annual father-son touch football tournament. The Marcus home is a short walk from Congregation Israel and all are welcome.