Please meet Julie Wohl, the Director of Congregational Learning at Baltimore Hebrew Congregation and one of the co-chairs of this year's annual ARJE conference. Although Julie has been a Jewish educator for 20 years, she only joined the ARJE three years ago. Below, she discusses what her goals were for ARJE26, the warmth of her Baltimore community, and her obsessive passion for painting.
What do you enjoy most about your work at Baltimore Hebrew Congregation?
I love the people — the kids, their families, and my colleagues. Baltimore Hebrew is a very large, somewhat dated building, but the moment you walk in, you realize it’s filled with the warmest people you’ll ever meet. Knowing that I am getting up every day to do meaningful work that makes a real difference for people is what drives me.
As a co-chair of last year's ARJE conference, what were your primary goals?
I held two pieces very closely: hospitality and quality. I wanted everyone, especially those new to the field or the organization, to feel welcomed and embraced the moment they walked in. We worked hard to build opportunities for relationship-building and networking. On the flip side, the programming had to be outstanding. It is hard for people to leave their families and their jobs to attend a conference, so we wanted to create something so worthwhile that it uplifted them and made them want to keep coming back.
What is your message to new ARJE members?
Be a little bit fearless and show up. It is hard to walk into a room where you feel like everyone knows each other and you don't know anyone. But I can assure you that there are so many others who feel the exact same way. When you stretch your arm out first to say hello, you will be amazed at how many people stretch theirs back to you.
Do you have a favorite Jewish holiday to celebrate?
I really like Passover. I love the storytelling and the shtick. Because my husband is a rabbi and I’m an educator, we’ve moved many times and don't live near our extended families. Our tradition has actually become not having a tradition. We always bring together a motley crew of random, amazing people, so every Seder feels different. I love that our kids' memories of the holidays will be rooted in these unique, ever-changing gatherings.
What is your favorite holiday as an educator?
If I'm being honest, my favorite holiday as an educator is Christmas Eve because there is absolutely nothing to do! It is so quiet, nobody needs me, and I can just be with my family without any pressure. I feel the same way about the night before Thanksgiving.
What do you like to do outside of your professional life?
I am a painter. I make art almost obsessively — drawing, painting, and creating for myself as well as professionally.
Julie is also a new ARJE Board member! Nominations for the 2027 Board term are open now. Nominate or Self nominate to the ARJE Board today!