Growing up in Chicago, Rabbi Ephraim Miretzky built a strong foundation in Jewish values and community engagement. A proud graduate of FYHS (Class of 2013), he embraced learning and leadership early on. As a camper at Yeshivas Hakayitz for many summers, he formed lifelong friendships and memories that left an indelible mark on him.
After high school, Rabbi Miretzky attended Yeshivas Toras Shraga, continuing his passion for Torah learning. He later earned semicha and a master's degree in Jewish education from Yeshiva University. Now residing in Kemp Mill, Silver Spring, Maryland, with his wife, Zahava, Rabbi Miretzky is the proud father of three young children: Aharon (3), Liora (2), and their newborn, Dovid.
In his current role as District Director of Greater Washington NCSY/JSU, Rabbi Miretzky engages Jewish teens from diverse backgrounds, including those in day schools and public schools. His work encompasses a wide array of programs tailored to meet the unique needs of each participant, encouraging deeper involvement in Jewish life. He is also actively involved in the operational and technical aspects of running the district smoothly.
Rabbi Miretzky’s leadership journey began in earnest as the senior class president at FYHS, where he successfully raised approximately $40,000 to ensure every student could participate in their class trip without financial barriers. Through organizing events such as sukkah building, car washes, and selling school merchandise, he developed a strong sense of responsibility and honed his organizational skills. Reflecting on this experience, Rabbi Miretzky shared, “Managing key fundraisers and making sure they were running smoothly were, in a certain sense, building blocks for the responsibilities I manage daily.” The encouragement he received in yeshiva to go beyond his perceived limits has been instrumental in his current Avodas Hakodesh role.
Rabbi Miretzky also recalls his time on the varsity basketball team and being part of a class equally divided between dormitory and in-town students as pivotal to building lasting connections with peers from across the country. He maintains an active WhatsApp group with his classmates, keeping in touch and seizing opportunities to reunite around Yomim Tovim.
Participating in Yeshivas Hakayitz's famous color war skits and battle of the bunks taught Rabbi Miretzky the importance of stepping into leadership roles and inspiring others. From a young age, he learned the value of putting himself out there and connecting with those around him. Today, he prides himself on his ability to connect with teens, driven not by the fear of public speaking but by the desire to make a meaningful impact on “Hakadosh Baruch Hu’s children.”
Through his dedication and leadership, Rabbi Ephraim Miretzky continues to inspire and uplift Jewish teens in the Greater Washington area, fostering a vibrant community where every individual feels valued and connected to their Jewish identity.
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