Ari Witkin

Ari Witkin has a wide range of work experience in various organizations. They started their career as a Project Director at Baltimore Interfaith Coalition, where they spearheaded coalition outreach and strategic planning. They also created and managed website and social media content for the organization.

After that, Ari worked as an Apprenticeship and Multicultural Coordinator at Pearlstone Conference & Retreat Center. They piloted and managed an apprenticeship program focused on Jewish environmental ethics and spiritual development. They also supervised fellows and coordinated program logistics.

Next, Ari served as a Development Associate at Greater Homewood Community Corporation, where they cultivated donor relationships and developed strategic fundraising initiatives. They also managed the donor database and website content.

Ari then worked as a Development Manager at Jewish Farm School, coordinating fundraising efforts and facilitating experiential learning programs focused on Jewish environmental ethics and social justice.

Following that, Ari served as a Chaplain Intern at Jefferson University Hospital, providing support and care to patients and their families.

They also worked as a Student Rabbi at Congregation Kol Ami, leading worship services and providing pastoral care to congregants.

Ari then became a Rabbinic Intern at Hillel at Drexel University, mentoring students and facilitating Jewish educational programming. They also assisted student leaders in creating davvening spaces on campus.

At Germantown Jewish Centre, Ari worked as a Student Rabbi, leading services, providing pastoral care, and facilitating educational programs.

Currently, Ari is employed as the Director of Leadership Development at the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit. In this role, they oversee the development and implementation of leadership programs across the organization. They also supervise volunteer management and manage the nomination and appointment process for members of the Board of Governors and committee chairs.

Ari Witkin began their education at St. Louis Park High School, where they attended from 2001 to 2005. After completing high school, they went on to Goucher College, where they earned a Bachelor's degree in Religion/Religious Studies and Peace Studies from 2005 to 2009. Subsequently, Ari pursued a Master's degree in MA in Hebrew Letters and Rabbinic Ordination from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College between 2014 and 2019. Lastly, from 2017 to 2018, they attended the University of Pennsylvania, where they obtained a Master of Science degree in Nonprofit Leadership.