MEOR Maryland is a home for Jewish students at the University of Maryland — a place for friendship, learning, mentorship, and meaningful Jewish growth.
MEOR Maryland is a campus-based organization dedicated to extending Jewish learning opportunities to the broadest spectrum of Jewish students at the University of Maryland, College Park. Through timely classes, lively discussions, transformative trips and other programming, our goal is to inspire a life-long love affair with Jewish learning and living.
We believe, deeply, that every Jewish student is entitled to a Jewish education that is accessible, sophisticated and relevant. Through Shabbat dinners, leadership fellowships, Israel trips, one-on-one learning, and lifelong friendships, MEOR helps students build meaningful Jewish lives during college and beyond, unlocking their full Jewish potential.
Our team builds real relationships with students — over coffee, Shabbat dinners, late-night conversations, and everything in between.
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Raised in Baltimore, Maryland, “Rabbi K” has a master's in — and passion for — Creative Nonfiction Writing. He is the host of two podcasts, Jews You Should Know and Iyun, and loves music, water sports, and racquetball. As co-founder and Executive Director for over two decades, Rabbi K lives in Silver Spring, MD with his wife Malka; they are parents to four children, a child-in-law, and of course their dog, Clifford.
Director of Education
Born and bred in New York, Rabbi Zalman brings a sharp mind and direct delivery to his work as Director of Education. With his MS in Counseling, he also brings a patient and understanding heart. He and his wife Mariel live in Silver Spring, MD with their six children.
Director of Women's Programming
Raised in New Jersey, Mariel developed her love and enthusiasm for Israel and Judaism at the prestigious Michlala Seminary in Jerusalem. She is also a registered nurse, pulling double-duty on the pediatrics ward at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore. Mariel directs our Women's Programming division, serving as a role model for generations of female students as they come of age in a complicated world.
Program Coordinator & Educator
The newest member of our team, Rena Meyer was raised in Denver, CO in a family dedicated to Jewish education and outreach. She channels that passion in her own special way in her role as a program coordinator and educator.
Director of JGroups (Pre-Professional Division)
Batsheva Paul has ably run our vaunted pre-professional division, known as “JGroups,” for the past several years. By day, she is an ace marketing and data analytics associate at a firm servicing Fortune 100 companies; by evenings — and every other moment she can squeeze in — Batsheva Paul recruits participants, arranges top-level speakers, and ensures that our students can grow both professionally and spiritually during their time on campus.