Dr. Michael Schiffman is the Executive Director of Chevra USA, a 501(c)3 organization based in the United States that provides food security to hundreds of displaced Ukrainian Jews, as well as relief aid to people of all faiths in the war-torn areas of the Former Soviet Union.
Dr. Schiffman was born in New York City to a traditional Jewish family. He completed his education with a BA from Arizona State University, and continued to his Masters and D.Min. He has served as executive director of Chevra for the past 20 years, making visits multiple times each year to the volunteers serving as Chevra's representatives in Eastern Europe and Ukraine and the individuals served by Chevra's outreach.
In addition to his charitable work, Dr. Schiffman serves Jewish communities as a sofer (repairs Torah scrolls). He served as a congregational leader and rabbi for multiple communities prior to serving Chevra full-time. He is a published author, a contributor to several publications, and an adjunct professor for graduate theological programs in Florida, Texas and Connecticut.
When he has the opportunity, he enjoys the company of others.
He travels frequently in the US as speaker about the situation in Ukraine, the power of kindness, and the work of Chevra.