Our Mission
MEOR Maryland is a campus-based organization dedicated to extending Jewish learning opportunities to the broadest spectrum of Jewish students at the University of Maryland, College Park. Through timely classes, lively discussions, transformative trips and other programming, our goal is to inspire a life-long love affair with Jewish learning and living.
Meet The Team
Rabbi Ari Koretzky
Executive Director
Raised in Baltimore, Maryland, “Rabbi K” made his way to College Park via stops Israel, Ner Israel Rabbinical College and Johns Hopkins University, where he earned a Masters in Creative Nonfiction Writing. Rabbi K brings his passion for Judaism, podcasting (check out “Jews You Should Know“!), piano, jetskiing and racquetball to his work as Executive Director. Rabbi K lives in Silver Spring, MD with his wife Malka, and their four children – Meir, Rena, Shalom and Ahuva
Rabbi Zalman Goldstein
Educational Director
Rabbi Zalman is the only member of the MEOR team who born and raised in New York. Adding insult to injury, Rabbi Zalman eventually left the Big Apple to attend Trinity College of Arts & Sciences (a handy euphemism for a Duke alumnus displaced in a hostile College Park). In those green Methodist pastures, Zalman discovered his strong passion for Judaism, and has since devoted his career to learning, teaching, and living its profound messages.
Along the way, Rabbi Zalman earned an MS in Counseling at Johns Hopkins University. He lives in Silver Spring, MD with his wife Mariel and their 6 children.
Mariel Goldstein
Director of Women's Education
Raised in New Jersey, Mariel developed her love and enthusiasm for Israel and Judaism at the prestigious Michlala Seminary in Jerusalem. After completing her studies there, she earned her BS in Biology at Stern College in New York City, and then a BS in Nursing at NYU.
Mariel has since worked as a pediatric nurse at Baltimore’s Sinai Hospital and at Camp Simcha, a summer escape for Jewish children suffering from cancer and chronic illnesses. She also has organized, lectured, and mentored for many Jewish education initiatives. Mariel balances learning with students on campus and creating women’s programming at MEOR with being a wife to Rabbi Zalman and mother to her 6 children. She invites you to meet them around her beautiful Shabbat table!
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Rabbi Elazar Freedman
Educator
Raised in Toledo, Ohio and West Bloomfield, Michigan, Elazar spent time studying in Denver, Colorado and Jerusalem, where he met and married his wife, Batsheva. Elazar loves nature and sports, and is passionate about connecting with others. Now living in Silver Spring, Maryland, Elazar is excited to convey the wonder of Judaism to University of Maryland students.
Batsheva Freedman
Educator
Born and raised in Monsey, New York to a family of 15 (!!), Batseva has spent time as well in Montreal and Israel. Passionate about women’s empowerment, fashion, nature, and encouraging others to become their best selves, Batsheva has worked as a makeup artist and branch manager of Jerusalem's Blew Boutique. She is thrilled to join MEOR's team, focusing on offering young women on campus an amazing Jewish experience.