Rabbi Marc D. Rudolph was the spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Shalom in Naperville, IL for 15 years until his retirement from the pulpit in 2023. Prior to coming to Beth Shalom, he served for four years as Rabbi of Congregation B’nai Jacob in Longmeadow, Massachusetts. He received his rabbinic ordination from the Academy for Jewish Religion, an independent, pluralistic seminary in New York City, in 2004.
Rabbi Rudolph came to the rabbinate after a career as a psychotherapist, supervisor, and consultant in community mental health and in private practice settings. He earned a Bachelors of Arts from the University of Pittsburgh in Philosophy and a Masters Degree in Social Work from Boston University.
Rabbi Rudolph’s own passion for learning has made him a gifted educator at multiple levels: from responding to questions from the youngest members of the Jewish community, to helping Bar and Bat Mitzvah students and their families understand and develop teachings based on their Torah and Haftarah portions, to teaching adult learners both in the classroom as well as on educational trips to Israel and Europe, to his thoughtful and relevant sermons. He is known as a compassionate leader whose caring presence has been felt in times of sickness and health, sorrow and joy. His heartfelt religious services have inspired people over the years to connect more deeply with their values, their community and with God. From 2021 to 2023 Rabbi Rudolph served as President of the Chicago Board of Rabbis. Rabbi Rudolph has been active in the interfaith community, helping to foster understanding among religious communities.
Rabbi Marc D. Rudolph 