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Tune in for reflections on Israel from Rabbi Joe Schwartz, Director of Makom, the Israel education laboratory Jewish Agency, which seeks to strengthen the bonds between world Jewry and Israel through bold, deep and engaging educational initiatives. Joe is a “ben bayit” of Or Zarua having grown up at our congregation. Since making aliyah, he has had a close-up view of all that is unfolding in Israel, and he has incisive perspectives to share with us.
Prior to joining Makom, Joe launched his own venture, IDRA, which aimed to bring Jews together through culture, learning and food. He served as a congregational rabbi in New York City’s Greenwich Village, and he has written curricula and taught for diverse audiences. And he also served as Or Zarua’s first rabbinic intern. Before becoming a rabbi, Joe was a litigator at the firm of Kramer, Levin, Naftalis & Frankel.
A native of the City, Joe holds degrees from Columbia University and the NYU School of Law, and he received his rabbinic ordination from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies.
In August 2020, Joe made Aliya with his family. He is married to Avigail and kvelling father to Zev, Paz and Shai. They live in Tel Aviv.
Joe wrote an account of the factors that led to his Aliya, which can be read HERE.