Ariela Pelaia is a professional Jewish Educator with masters degrees in Jewish Studies and Jewish Education. She lives in Connecticut.

Ariela began studying Judaism in 1998 as an undergraduate student at Wellesley College, where she earned bachelors degrees in Psychology and Religion. Her studies continued at Columbia University, where she earned a master's degree in Jewish Studies and developed a passion for teaching while working with students in 5th through 12th grade.

In 2006 Ariela received a prestigious Wexner Graduate Fellowship and began a second master's degree in Jewish Education at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. During her time at JTS she continued teaching children and teens and also began teaching adult students about informal educational techniques and adolescent psychology. Ariela completed her studies at JTS in May 2009 and is now the Director of Programming at Temple Beth El in Stamford, Connecticut.

Ariela has bachelors degrees in Psychology and Religion from Wellesley College, a master's degree in Jewish Studies from Columbia University and a master's degree in Jewish Education from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America.

My passion for Judaism can be traced back to my students. Whether I'm working with 5th graders preparing for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah, teens searching for their unique Jewish identity, or adults interested in enriching their lives with Jewish knowledge, each person inspires me to look at Judaism in a new light. What began as an intellectual inquiry during my undergraduate days at Wellesley College has flourished into a life changing career that challenges me to continue learning about Judaism and sharing that knowledge with others. Just as I found my way, I strive to help others find a Jewish path that is meaningful for them.

• Baking and Books
  This is my personal blog, where I write about books, recipes and culinary history.