Embark is all about exploring Jewish life. Whether you’re in an interfaith relationship and navigating the complexities of Jewish life today, Embark is a cohort experience that connects you with other local couples and a rabbi to explore Judaism – without the pressure to convert. Connect with other couples in their 20s and 30s and an Embark rabbi as you learn, share, and grow together in a supportive space. Whether you’re curious about tradition or building your own, discover a Jewish life that’s uniquely yours. Embark cohorts consist of 6-10 couples that meet weekly for 6 cohort sessions, a retreat, and a Shabbat dinner.

Curious to learn more about Embark? Check out our FAQ.

Rabbi Ariel Edery

 Rabbi Ariel Edery grew up in Argentina, in a family deeply engaged in Jewish life. His father was a rabbi, his mother was a Jewish educator. Moved to Israel where he lived, studied, and worked for seven years. Graduated from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem with dual degrees in International Relations, and in General Studies in Humanities.

Then he moved to Mexico City, where he taught in a Jewish High School, and worked in a variety of positions within a large Jewish congregation. After 5 years, now married and with children, joined the Rabbinic School at Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he obtained a MHL degree, and was ordained as Rabbi in 2001. Rabbi Edery’s first full time Rabbinic position was in Barcelona, Spain. He served what was then the first and only progressive Jewish congregation in the country, for 4 years.

In 2004 moved back to the US, to the NC Triangle, to become Beth Shalom’s Rabbi – the position he still holds today after 22 years.

In different countries, languages, and settings, Rabbi Edery remained dedicated to creating a warm community in which Judaism is explored and learned, and where its ethical and social values are lived, and enjoyed. For this purpose he sought – and found – great partners with whom to realize this vision of a personal and community life which prioritizes inclusion and acceptance of all, and seeks to enrich each person with the beauty and the ethical guidance of the Jewish tradition.

Over the years he engaged with different organizations and worthy projects: was founding member of AUDIR (the Unesco association for interfaith dialogue in Barcelona), he became a fellow at the Brickner Fellowship for Social Justice, joined the faculty of the Reform Rabbinic Institute for IberoAmerica (IIFRR) as faculty teaching Bible and Rabbinic Studies, published articles in different publications and languages, also appearing in a variety of podcasts, broadcasts, and other national, general, and Jewish media.