Ari Sasson, a recent graduate from Vanderbilt University, has embarked on a new journey as a leadership consultant for Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi), the largest Jewish fraternity in the United States. Raised in the Jewish community of Philadelphia, Sasson now returns to his hometown of Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, to support AEPi chapters across the Northeast.
Sasson joined AEPi during his time at Vanderbilt, where he became actively involved in the fraternity’s leadership. In his junior year, he attended a leadership conference that led to an opportunity to work as a consultant after his graduation in May 2024. In this role, he focuses on enhancing the fraternity experience for members by identifying specific needs within each chapter.
Engaging with AEPi Chapters
Sasson’s approach to consulting is highly personalized. He conducts one-on-one meetings with current and emerging leaders, as well as engaged members. His methodology includes assessing the chapters’ strengths and areas for improvement through a set of approximately 100 metrics.
“What we do really depends on the chapter’s needs,” Sasson explained. “We discuss why members joined and what they hope to gain from their experience.” This tailored approach allows him to connect deeply with fraternity members, fostering a sense of community.
Building Connections and Communities
Sasson values the unique bond that comes from engaging with peers who share similar backgrounds. He highlights the importance of social activities within Judaism, such as participating in Shabbat dinners and studying Torah together.
Despite the recent challenges faced by Jewish communities, Sasson remains optimistic. “There have been some rough spots here and there, but we sometimes forget how much positivity exists among diverse Jewish communities,” he remarked. “It’s been nice to focus on embracing the goodness and building up communities.”
In addition to his consulting work, Sasson has authored a journal titled the “Thou Shalt Journal,” which combines Torah verses with reflective writing prompts. This project, which he developed over eight months, aims to encourage individuals to explore personal reflections based on themes from the Torah. The journal features approximately 170 pairings of scripture and thought-provoking questions, spanning from Genesis to Deuteronomy.
Sasson’s commitment to connecting with Jewish students reflects his desire to contribute positively to the community. “I consider myself a student, even outside of school,” he stated. “There’s so much goodness in Judaism, and I want to help others navigate through that.”
As he moves forward in his role with AEPi and his personal projects, Sasson aims to inspire a deeper connection to Jewish values and foster meaningful experiences among fraternity members and beyond.
