Ari Karpel (of no relation to his colleague David Karpel) is the newest addition to the English department. In addition, Karpel will be supporting Helios as a faculty advisor, joining his fellow English teachers Jodi Posner and Penny Ratcliffe.
Originally from East Brunswick, New Jersey, Karpel graduated with a BA in History from University of Wisconsin-Madison and later received a masters in Teaching from Bard College. Karpel worked as a writer and editor for years at publications such as TV Guide and Entertainment Weekly, and as a freelance writer for The New York Times, The New York Post… the list goes on. He refers to these magazines as “the TikTok of the 1900s.” During his time at magazines, Karpel primarily wrote about the movie and TV industry and even interviewed some household names like Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, Madonna, Kristen Bell, and Mark Ruffalo!
Karpel taught at Milken Community School, a Jewish day school in LA, from 2019-2024. He said, “I’m excited to be at a Jewish school again. I love Judaism and Israel, and the shared culture of a school where raising mensches is a primary aim.”
Karpel and his husband, Alan, a TV producer and director, moved back to NYC from LA earlier this year. Alan and Ari have been together for almost 18 years!
In his free time, Karpel loves biking, yoga, movies, cooking, and eating! Additionally, he is obsessed with farmers’ markets. “The thing I miss most about LA is the incredible year-round, local bounty of fruits and vegetables,” Karpel explained, “But being able to walk to a Broadway show any evening I want is a great trade-off!”
Karpel shared that every day growing up, he ate a toasted bagel with TempTee whipped cream cheese, earning him the nickname “Little Bagel.” Karpel said, “Now, sadly, I’m allergic to dairy, so it’s tofu or almond-milk cream cheese all the way, but I’m still a devoted Barney Greengrass fan.” This bagel-lover should definitely try Kossar’s (previously the iconic Pick-A-Bagel) just across the street from Heschel!
With extensive background in journalism, writing, the pop-culture world, and more, we know Karpel will contribute so much. Ari, on behalf of Helios and the broader Heschel community, we welcome you and look forward to getting to know you better!