Ammiel Hirsch

Ammiel Hirsch is a prominent American Reform rabbi, born in 1959. He serves as the senior rabbi of Stephen Wise Free Synagogue, a position that has enabled him to exert significant influence on the Jewish community in Manhattan. Prior to his current role, Hirsch held the position of executive director of the Association of Reform Zionists of America/World Union for Progressive Judaism, North America, demonstrating his commitment to Reform Judaism and its global reach.

Hirsch's impact extends beyond his congregational and organizational leadership. He has been recognized for his influence by several publications, including The Jerusalem Post, which named him among "The 50 Most Influential Jews of the Year" in 2024. City & State New York magazine and the New York Observer have also acknowledged his prominence, praising him as a leading voice in the Jewish community. As a writer, Hirsch has authored two books: "The Lilac Tree: A Rabbi's Reflections on Love, Courage, and History" and "One People, Two Worlds: A Reform Rabbi and an Orthodox Rabbi Explore the Issues That Divide Them", the latter co-written with Rabbi Yaakov Yosef Reinman, showcasing his engagement with the complexities of Jewish identity and community.