Alex Harris

A charismatic force in the Jewish world, Alex is working to redefine what Jewish education looks like. With clarity and heart, he shares accessible ideas that resonate across denominations.

At Unpacked for Educators-whose goal is to explore the Jewish story in all its complexity-Alex builds innovative curricula, leads national cohorts, and mentors educators across North America and beyond.

He brings spirituality, Israel education, and Jewish identity into the classroom in a way that's relevant and resonant. He works with a wide range of Jewish schools to equip educators with the tools to discuss topics like G-d, free will, and the afterlife with students.

In Chicago, he shares his weekly Torah message with nearly 500 subscribers via WhatsApp; mentors b'nai mitzvah students; and teaches adult education at local synagogues.

Alex has semicha (rabbinical ordination) from Rabbi Brovender in Israel, a BA in Judaic Studies and International Studies from the University of Michigan, and an MA in Experiential Education from George Washington University.

In everything he teaches, wrote his colleague, "Alex is helping to turn Jewish wisdom into a living, breathing part of people's lives."

AGE:
27

PRIMARY GIG:
Senior Educator at Unpacked

DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 10 WORDS OR LESS:
Passionate Jew. Writer 24/6, educator 24/7.

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN THE LAST 10 YEARS:
Writing a weekly dvar Torah in honor of my mom, Ruth Harris zt”l. The dvar torah series is called Torot Chesed (תורות חסד) which is a play on the verse in Mishlei (Proverbs), “Her mouth is full of wisdom, Her tongue with kindly teaching [תורת חסד].” (Pr. 31:26) and incorporates my mom’s Hebrew name, רות. I started writing this weekly dvar torah after she passed away in 2021 and have not missed a week in the four years since starting it. It is an honor to learn and teach in her memory.

A JEW WHO INSPIRES YOU:
My dad. He is the kindest, most welcoming person who embodies hachnasat orchim (welcoming guests), chesed (loving-kindness), and talmud Torah (Torah learning). He taught me that being a “good Jew” means being a good person and being a good person means being the best Jewish version of yourself. Another lesson that both my Dad and my Mom taught me is that everyone has something unique to offer. So these days I’m inspired by every Jew who has chosen to be part of the Jewish story, especially since October 7th: soldiers fighting on the front lines, their families supporting them back home, Jews abroad showing their support on the streets, online, in universities, and in the halls of government, Jews who have taken on more mitzvot, Jews who have supported Israel by traveling there and donating, Jews who have brought the Jewish community together, and who have reached to our non-Jewish neighbors, and so much more.