Education Team

Arielle’s passion for Jewish education was shaped by her experiences growing up in the Conservative movement, participating in youth groups, spending many summers at Jewish camp both as a camper and counselor, and time with her family. She is deeply committed to empowering learners in their educational experience by following their lead. Since she joined Temple Israel Center in 2017, her goal has been to create a hands-on, multi-sensory, cooperative learning environment that challenges individuals of all ages and abilities to develop their Jewish identities. An educator for more than 12 years, Arielle obtained a B.A. at UMASS Amherst, a Masters in Elementary Education from CUNY Hunter College and a permanent teaching certificate in Early Childhood education.

Ezra was born and raised in Stamford, CT and attended Carmel Academy and Solomon Schechter School of Westchester, now the Leffell School. A long-time camper at Ramah Palmer, Ezra spent several summers as a counselor, archery instructor, and Jewish educator at Camp Ramah in the Rockies. Additionally, he served as a teen advisor, youth coordinator, and Religious School educator at Temple Sholom in Greenwich, CT. He graduated with honors from Queens College with a B.A. in Ancient History and received his Master’s Degree from Teachers College at Columbia University. Ezra has been a social studies educator in New York City for several years, instructing middle school students in World/United States History and high school students in Government, Economics, and a Comparative Mythology program. In addition to Jewish living and education, Ezra enjoys circus arts, string instruments, graphic novels, and learning to cook gluten-free Jewish recipes with his wife, Sam.