About Us

Over 130 Years. 55 Countries. More than 3,000,000 Lives Changed

ORT America promotes the understanding and appreciation of Jewish values through a global network of schools and training programs in 55 countries. The cutting-edge educational skills acquired at ORT schools, colleges, and international programs provide marketable skills that enable 300,000 students and beneficiaries annually to attain successful careers, become community leaders and live independently.

ORT is one of the largest non-governmental education and training organizations in the world with activities and current operations in Israel, the Baltic and CIS, Latin America, Europe, North America, Africa, Asia and the Pacific. It is a non-profit, not-political organization that meets the educational, and manpower training needs of contemporary society with more than 3,000,000 graduates worldwide since its inception.

ORT was founded in St Petersburg in Tsarist Russia in 1880 to provide employable skills for Russia’s impoverished Jewish people. Since that time, the skills taught by ORT have evolved in step with technology.

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What People Are Saying
“ORT is helping unemployed and underemployed people in Michigan receive the tech and computer skills they need to gain employment. This [Rub-a-Dub] program is wildly successful. It’s oversold, it’s helping numerous people from all walks of life. When times get difficult, you want to help out as much as you can right here at home. This event makes that happen.”

Randy Wertheimer,
President of Hunter Pasteur Homes and a Rub-a-Dub co-chair

“Rub‑a‑ Dub is one of the most fun events of the summer. ORT is a powerful organization – it sends a powerful message about the importance of education and training. ORT really does a great job of reaching citizens in our community who can use the help and need the support.”

Steven J. Tapper,
Vice President of ORT Michigan and Rub-a-Dub Co-chair

“ORT and by extension, Rub-a-Dub, have been a part of my family tradition for more than 27 years. My parents committed a large part of their volunteer and philanthropic lives advancing the ORT mission of providing education and training to people across the globe. Rub-a-Dub marries the fun of a summer evening barbecue with fundraising for ORT in Michigan and abroad.”

Brian Hermelin

“ORT has impacted the education of our community and the world for 130 years – and Rub-a-Dub is the biggest fundraiser for ORT locally, started by my late husband as a fluke in our garage. Rub-a-Dub has come to mean something very special to so many – it’s a spirited event that involves so many members of our community of all ages.”

Doreen Hermelin,
Past president of ORT America

“Dan and I are so thrilled that our family is involved with Camp Hermelin and with ORT. The mission and the goals of ORT are values that everyone can get on board with. What better mission is there than to empower people to be self-sufficient?”

Jennifer Gilbert,
Camp Hermelin co‑chair

“[Camp Hermelin] is ORT’s only event for the entire family – for several generations, even. This is a wonderful opportunity to have a conversation with your kids about the importance of giving back. To empower people to succeed is the best goal there is.”

Rachel Zimmerman,
Camp Hermelin co-chair

© ORT America Michigan Region | 6735 Telegraph Road, Suite 375 | Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301
Phone (248) 723-8860 | FAX (248) 723-8861 | michigan@ortamerica.org