Ariel Stone

Ariel Stone is a trailblazing American rabbi who has made significant contributions to the Jewish community. She holds the distinction of being the first American rabbi to lead a congregation in the former Soviet Union, as well as the first progressive rabbi to serve the Jewish community in Ukraine. Her pioneering work in Ukraine has paved the way for the growth of progressive Judaism in the region.

Ariel Stone's career has been marked by various notable appointments and endeavors. She served as Assistant Rabbi of Temple Israel of Greater Miami from 1991 to 1993, working alongside Rabbi Rex Perlmeter. Subsequently, she represented the World Union for Progressive Judaism in Ukraine from 1993 to 1994, during which time she also led Congregation HaTikvah in Kiev and played a key role in establishing progressive congregations in Ukraine. In addition to her rabbinical work, Stone has also taught Holocaust studies at the University of Central Florida during the 1993-1994 period.