Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariel Wolpe.
Hi Ariel, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m Rabbi Ariel Root Wolpe, and my journey began with a deep love of music, nature, and the overflowing well of Jewish wisdom. I’m a mother with a chronic illness, a neurodivergent musician, and a spiritual seeker of wilderness—and all shape my purpose in this world. I was ordained at the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in Los Angeles, and after working in more traditional Jewish spaces, I was called to build something different—community spaces where I could be authentically me, and include others at the margins.
That calling led me to found Ma’alot in 2020, a spiritual Jewish community in Atlanta that centers belonging, creativity, and soulful connection. Our community welcomes people of all backgrounds—queer, multiracial, interfaith, questioning, unaffiliated—who are seeking a place to be fully themselves while exploring Jewish wisdom and ritual in meaningful, embodied ways.
I care deeply about creating spaces where we and our children can grow into wholeness. As someone who processes the world differently, I believe in designing communities that are accessible, attuned, and built around real human needs. At Ma’alot, we gather in homes, forests, gardens, mountaintops and sanctuaries to sing, learn, reflect, and reimagine what Jewish life can look like when we lead with vulnerability and care.
This work isn’t just about Judaism—it’s about healing, resilience, and the kind of community we all deserve.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s definitely not been a smooth road—but I don’t think meaningful work often is. I’ve often found myself outside the norms of what’s expected from a rabbi or organizational leader. I’ve had to learn to trust my instincts, even when they didn’t match the institutional mold.
One of the biggest challenges has been holding both vision and vulnerability— leading while also navigating chronic illness, parenting young children, and creating boundaries in a role that can feel all-consuming. It’s my sensitivity and intuition that allows me to lead with empathy and insight – but that also exposes my heart to harsh critiques and others disappointments. There were moments I felt completely alone, especially when all these incredible people around me where looking to ego lead the way towards a vision that didn’t yet exist in Atlanta: a Jewish space that centers inclusion, healing, and spiritual depth outside of traditional walls.
And still—despite the exhaustion and the bumps in the road—this work gives me deep joy. Seeing people feel at home in Jewish community for the first time makes it all worth it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a rabbi, artist, and community builder, and I see those roles as deeply intertwined. My work lives at the intersection of Jewish ritual, spiritual practice, and creative expression. I specialize in creating immersive experiences that blend music, nature, learning, and storytelling—whether that’s leading a Shabbat service under the trees, guiding a circle of women through a year of soul work, or writing new rituals that speak to our modern lives.
What I’m most proud of is founding Ma’alot, a Jewish community in Atlanta that opens doors to people who often feel left out of traditional spaces—people of color, queer folks, interfaith families, spiritual seekers, and those who’ve been told they don’t belong. We do things differently on purpose: we meet in homes and gardens, we sing with our whole bodies, and we prioritize authenticity over polish.
As a neurodivergent creative, I bring a different kind of leadership—one that is emotionally attuned, imaginative, and relational. I’m known for crafting rituals that speak to the moment, for blending traditional texts with contemporary resonance, and for cultivating spaces where people feel spiritually alive and deeply seen.
What sets me apart is that I don’t separate my artistic life from my rabbinic life. The way I mother, the way I pray, the way I lead—it’s all part of the same creative offering. And I believe that kind of integrated, heart-centered leadership is part of what our world is hungry for.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
There are so many ways to connect and collaborate with Ma’alot—and I truly welcome it. Whether you’re looking to co-create soulful Jewish experiences or simply explore what Jewish life can look like, come check us out.
You can support Ma’alot, the community I founded, by attending our gatherings, joining a Wisdom Circle, donating to sustain our work, or helping us spread the word to folks seeking belonging. We’re especially excited to collaborate with artists, educators, healers, and spiritual leaders who share our vision of lovingly inclusive, growth-centered Jewish life.
You can reach out through my website, www.maalotatlanta.com, or follow along on Instagram @maalotatlanta or TikTok @rabbiimma.
Let’s build together.
Pricing:
- Ma’alot Shabbat Campout Retreat June 6-8 – $250, with work trade available
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.maalotatlanta.com
- Instagram: @maalotatlanta
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maalotatlanta
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@maalotatlanta
