Michal Smart

Michal Fox Smart has led ground-breaking work in the field of Jewish education for more than thirty years, working at the nexus of personal, spiritual, and professional development. Michal pioneered Jewish outdoor and environmental education in the U.S., co-founding COEJL, TEVA, and directing the Isabella Freedman Retreat Center. Michal served as Associate Principal of Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy and Director of Ayeka North America, emerging as a national leader on soulful pedagogy and the spiritual development of educators. Her book Kaddish: Women’s Voices, Winner of the National Jewish Book Award, addresses issues of inclusion in Jewish communal life, family dynamics, as well as the powerful role that ritual and prayer can play in healing. Michal also expanded the reach of Jewish mindfulness and spirituality, serving as Chief Program Officer for IJS. As a leadership coach, Michal helps executives in and beyond the Jewish community to show up as their fullest and most resourced selves. A Fulbright Scholar, Michal completed her undergraduate studies at Princeton University and earned her Master’s degree from Cornell as a Wexner Graduate Fellow. She lives in Stamford, CT and is the proud Ema of five young adults.