Rona Sheramy

Rona Sheramy is the current director at Sefaria. Rona has also been the executive director at the Association for Jewish Studies from September 2003 to January 2017. As the professional leader of the largest learned society and professional organization dedicated to the advancement of Jewish Studies scholarship and teaching, they partnered with board leadership to professionalize and grow the organization to position it of stature within the higher education community.

Rona steered the organization through a period of significant expansion, attaining 45% membership growth through major new programs and culture of responsiveness, creativity, and excellence. Rona directed twelve successful annual conferences (about 1100 attendees each), which were distinguished by engaging presentation formats and extensive networking opportunities.

In addition, they spearheaded and managed the organization’s strategic plan, working closely with a consultant and Board of Directors to identify the organization’s core programs and priorities. Rona launched the organization’s first development plan, in cooperation with a consultant and board leadership.

Sheramy has also made multiple grant-funded projects to support innovative research and public programming. Rona expanded digital media platforms, including a professional development webinar series and major re-design of AJS website to more effectively serve the organization’s constituencies. In addition, they collaborated with editors and publishers of AJS journal and magazine to ensure publications’ ongoing reach, relevance, and sustainability.

Sheramy has advocated on behalf of the organization, Jewish Studies, and the humanities to press

Rona Sheramy received their PhD in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies from Brandeis University. Rona also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Rona'story from the University of Michigan.