Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch

Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch is the Senior Rabbi of the Stephen Wise Free Synagogue in New York City, where he has led a dramatic revival in Jewish life. Since his arrival in 2004 the synagogue has grown rapidly, and has more than doubled its membership. He has introduced dramatic changes in worship, ritual and education, attracting a new generation of young adults, singles, families and empty-nesters from throughout the New York region.

Rabbi Hirsch is recognized nationally and internationally for his leadership in Jewish affairs. He has authored numerous articles and editorials and is frequently cited in the media. Prior to his arrival at Stephen Wise, he served for twelve years as Executive Director of the Association of Reform Zionists of America (ARZA), the Israel arm of the North American Reform movement.

An accomplished teacher and public speaker, Rabbi Hirsch is also the co-author of the acclaimed "One People Two Worlds: A Reform Rabbi and an Orthodox Rabbi Explore the Issues that Divide Them."

Rabbi Hirsch has served on numerous boards of national and international bodies, including the Jewish Agency for Israel, World Zionist Organization, Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, and the Central Conference of American Rabbis. He is currently an officer of the New York Board of Rabbis and is a member of the Partnership of Faith, an interfaith body of New York religious leaders.

Rabbi Hirsch received his ordination at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York City, where he was granted numerous awards for academic excellence. He also received an LL.B Honors (Law Degree) from the London School of Economics and Political Science. He is a member of the New York State Bar.

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