Ari Nussbaum

Whether in the classroom, at camp, or through religious programming, Ari Nussbaum is wholly devoted to educating and connecting with youth. As a 5th grade Chicago Public Schools (CPS) teacher, Ari plays a crucial role in motivating and supporting kids from a wide variety of backgrounds. When CPS is not in session during the summers, Ari instills the love of Judaism and Israel into local youth through his involvement in his Congregation KINS and Bnei Akiva.

Ari grew up attending JCC camps and Bnei Akiva Moshava. He's continued his involvement as director of Moshava Bair day camp in Chicago for k-6th graders. Ari was also the Youth Director for Congregation KINS North from 2017-2021, where he helped to develop and grow the youth programming. 

If anyone was born to teach, it surely would be Ari, as he creates opportunity after opportunity to uplift youth in his community and beyond. 

AGE:
35

PRONOUNS:
He, Him, His

PRIMARY GIG:
Chicago Public School Teacher (5th grade Science and Social Studies) and Director of Moshava Ba’ir Chicago.

ON THE SIDE:
Sports trivia enthusiast, DAD to humans and dog

DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 10 WORDS OR LESS:
Charismatic, devoted, loyal, fun-loving, sports fanatic, Family Feud Winner!

CELEBRITY DOPPELGANGER:
New and improved Jonah Hill

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN THE LAST 10 YEARS:
Being an AWESOME dad, hands down, my 4 kids are my life! Lily - age 10, RJ - age 7, Zeke - age 5, Solly - age 6 months.

A JEW WHO INSPIRES YOU:
Yaakov Matanky of blessed memory - my close friend and counselor, who passed away while he was my counselor in 9th grade at Moshava Wild Rose. He taught me about dedication, passion all while having a great time. I am who I am because of him. He taught me about caring for others, making sure you make everything fun, and true love for camp.