Hebrew Day School of Ann Arbor (HDS), jointly with the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor, are delighted to extend a heartfelt welcome to Amichay Findling and his family, who have recently joined our vibrant community here in Ann Arbor. As of late August, Amichay serves as the new Israel Programs Manager at the Federation and teaches 5th grade Hebrew at HDS. Amichay brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience that will enrich our town and its Jewish community.

For the past seven years, Amichay has been making a significant impact as an innovative teacher, imparting his wisdom in Hebrew language and humanities in Israel. Most recently, he taught humanities and served as a peer instructor for new teachers at a middle school in Tel Aviv. Prior to this role, he taught at a Hebrew-Arabic bilingual elementary school in Jaffa. During the Covid shutdowns, Amichay was chosen to develop and present a video course on Roman History, which was broadcast as part of the Israeli Ministry of Education’s “National Learning Program.” His dedication to education and passion for teaching have inspired countless students, and we are fortunate to now have him in our midst.

An avid reader, Amichay deeply appreciates the profound connections and expressions of real-life experiences and emotions found in literature and the arts. He has a special interest in ancient history, texts, and cultures, which is sure to provide captivating discussions and learning opportunities for all who engage with him.

Amichay’s work at the Federation will focus on building strong connections between the local greater Ann Arbor community and our Partnership Region in Nahalal, Israel, as well as with Israeli culture more broadly. In particular, Amichay will facilitate the Student Exchange program, which brings current 9th graders to Nahalal for an immersive Israeli experience, then welcomes the Israeli teens back to Ann Arbor for a true cultural exchange.

Amichay comes to the Ann Arbor community with his family, which includes his wife Inbal and their three children, Omri, Amalia, and Anat. The whole family shares a love for the great outdoors, frequently embarking on hiking adventures in nature. Additionally, they pursue a passion for arts and culture by visiting museums and attending the theater together. They look forward to exploring all the cultural opportunities Southeast Michigan has to offer. The family’s presence undoubtedly enriches the tapestry of our community, and we hope they feel right at home among us.

As Amichay, Inbal, Omri, Amalia, and Anat settle into our close-knit community, let us extend a warm hand of friendship and hospitality to make their transition to our town as smooth and delightful as possible. We look forward to building strong connections, engaging in stimulating discussions, and creating cherished memories together.