Rachel Margolis

Rachel Margolis, RJE is Associate Director, Congregational Innovation and Education at the Union for Reform Judaism, and a recent recipient of the Association of Reform Jewish Educators Distinguished Educator Award. She works with congregational leaders to inspire change, depth and meaning in strong communities. She advocates for the role of learning, family engagement, and education champions in congregational life.

Rachel is a graduate of Cornell University and has a joint masters in Jewish Education and Jewish Non-Profit Management from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. After serving as Director of Education for a congregation in Los Angeles, Rachel helped write curriculum and re-envisioned youth involvement and teen learning for family schools, Religious Schools, synagogue day camps and retreats at synagogues and community programs around the country.

Rachel is past chair of the HUC-JIR Alumni Leadership Council, and serves on the HUC-JIR board of governors. In her free time, you can find Rachel knitting, braiding challah, or exploring local parks. She lives in the Chicago area with her husband, Rabbi Ari Margolis, their three daughters, and their very-beloved pandemic puppy.