Ariel went to a Jewish elementary school, and to Jewish summer camps when she was growing up and loves being part of a community– especially one as accepting and welcoming as hers. “We don’t all have the same beliefs and practices, but we all have the same traditions.” Central to her faith is her belief in acceptance, connection, and of course: sharing food!

Her Jewish Faith is also central to her becoming a vocalist: Ariel first took voice lessons to prepare for her bat mitzvah! She sang the prayers and read the Torah proudly and beautifully. And every time her family celebrated Shabbat, they would listen to music after dinner, and sing and dance. Ariel adds: “The people I surround myself with are just amazing. I am so lucky to have my family!” The singer attempts to honor them, and her faith, every day.

The vocalist has made a concerted effort to learn about the history of her faith, even though that hasn’t always been easy. In her teens, Ariel participated in the March of The Living, a trek from Auschwitz to Birkenau, in Poland. Many Holocaust victims had walked this route before her. “It was the hardest thing I have ever done. I thought of my family that had perished in the Holocaust and all the opportunities I had in my life. I was about to study music and thought to myself: I owe it to myself and my family to take every opportunity in front of me because they didn’t get to experience everything I am.” Her travels gave her strength and hope. She learned: “Knowing what you are good at and knowing what you are capable of is really important.” It directed her, with ever-growing fervor, onto the path she is on now: honoring her family and following her passion.