Arna Poupko Fisher, who has lectured in over 120 communities throughout North America and recently gave key note addresses at the Israeli Presidential Conference and the JCCA Biennial, is currently on the faculty of the Department of Jewish studies at the University of Cincinnati, where she teaches courses in the areas of Jewish theology and Hebrew Bible.

Ms. Fisher, a noted lecturer and educator, was the first individual to serve as a permanent, full time, scholar in residence for a Federation when she began her pioneering work as the Judaic Consultant of the Montreal Federation.  In this capacity, Ms. Fisher was the scholar, teacher, and advisor within the Federation and its 20 constituent agencies.  The prestigious Avi Chai Foundation celebrated this work when it awarded this position the first prize for “Excellent Community Initiatives to Strengthen Jewish Commitment”.  Ms. Fisher taught classical Jewish texts to communal leaders and professionals in an open and inviting atmosphere, encouraging diversity of thought and approaches.

Graduating from Yeshiva University with degrees in both Jewish education and medieval Jewish philosophy, Ms. Fisher continued her graduate work in the Doctoral programs of both the University of Toronto and McGill University. She has had several national television appearances and has published on subjects pertaining to the relationship of Jewish Law to contemporary society. Arna Poupko Fisher serves as faculty for The Wexner Foundation and has taught at both the University of Toronto and McGill University. Ms. Fisher is on the executive of the Cincinnati Federation, and is the immediate past president of the JCRC of Cincinnati.