Rabbi Morris Panitz is thrilled to be an Associate Rabbi at IKAR, a community he’s cherished for the past 7 years. Previously, he served as the Director of the Ziering BCI Program and Director of Immersive Experiences at American Jewish University. He cherishes the opportunity to partner with people who are seeking meaningful connection to Jewish wisdom and community. Morris received rabbinical ordination from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies and was a recipient of the Wexner Graduate Fellowship. Prior to rabbinical school, he combined his love for Jewish, experiential education and environmental sustainability as the Program Director of the Pearlstone Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Morris completed a Certificate in Jewish, Experiential Education from Yeshiva University and received his B.A. from the University of Maryland in philosophy and Jewish Studies. Morris loves hiking and gardening with his wife, Elana, and three children, Ziva, Matan, and Luna.
Over just the last 18 months, Rabbi Panitz has made quite an impression on our community. Week after week, he has shared with us his stirring and heartfelt Torah. He has held us during moments of loss, and graced us with his presence in times of challenge and celebration. In a very short time, he has become an indispensable part of our clergy team. And Rabbi Panitz and Elana, along with Ziva and Matan, have become deeply embedded in the life of our community. We are thrilled that Rabbi Panitz was promoted in December 2022 from Assistant Rabbi to the role of Associate Rabbi, where he will continue to serve, teach and care for our community with his big heart and deep wisdom.