Commencement

Rabbi Darcie Crystal brings over twenty years of diverse professional experience in roles that include serving as a congregational leader, educator, and board chair of multiple nonprofit organizations. Her work highlights a deep commitment to community building and education, and she has shared this commitment with Millbrook students and faculty since the Crystal family became a part of our school community in 2020. She has played a very active role in facilitating dinners and on-campus activities for the Jewish student group, including celebratory meals during important holidays. Rabbi Crystal also joined a diverse group of board members, alumni, faculty, students, and other parents in sharing and assessing a 2022 National Association of Independent School's survey to evaluate Millbrook's current standing in the areas of diversity, multiculturalism, equity, and justice.

At Central Synagogue’s Center for Exploring Judaism in New York City, Rabbi Crystal works extensively with individuals from various backgrounds, fostering an inclusive approach to religious education and guiding those who seek conversion to Judaism. She has taught numerous classes in Central Synagogue’s Adult Education department and in the rabbinical school at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. She previously served as a rabbi at Temple Beth-El of Great Neck and Tamid: The Downtown Synagogue. She is also known for her past leadership as Chair of the boards of Moving Traditions and the Princeton University Center for Jewish Life/Hillel.

Rabbi Crystal holds a BA from Princeton University and an MAHL and ordination from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. She resides in Manhattan with her husband Jonathan, their children Eli '24, Hannah '25, and Abram, and their dog Maisy.