We’re excited to welcome Rabbi Joe Schwartz as Makom’s new director. Rabbi Schwartz succeeds Abi Dauber Sterne, who is leaving the role to study at the Beit Midrash for Israeli Rabbis, jointly run by the Shalom Hartman Institute and the Midrasha in Oranim.

Rabbi Schwartz, who made Aliyah from Brooklyn, NY in 2020, comes to Makom with a rich background. A trained attorney, Joe received his ordination from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies.

He has worked as a synagogue rabbi, written curricula and taught for diverse audiences, and most recently launched his own venture, which seeks to strengthen ties between Israelis and world Jewry by leveraging vital Jewish culture both in Israel and abroad.

“I could not be more excited to take the reins of Makom, an innovative and forward-thinking leader in Israel education. The Jewish Agency has historically been invaluable in forging ties between world Jewry and Israel. I myself first came to Israel in my teens on a Jewish Agency program, and I am deeply honored to be able to play a part in helping it fulfill that mission in our challenging times.”

Shivi Greenfield, Chief Strategy Officer of The Jewish Agency, expressed his excitement about this new hire as well.

“Over the last few years, as we’ve seen Israel education only become more complex, Makom has developed several new projects and approaches to support educators in engaging young American audiences and recently launched the Institute for Global Jewish Voices to bring a deeper understanding of global Jewish life to Israel through the education system. We are excited that Rabbi Schwartz, who has substantive educational experience in the U.S. along with deep knowledge of Israel, will continue to expand our impact further.”

The Makom team wishes Rabbi Schwartz the best of luck in his new role and would like to thank Abi for her incredible and inspiring leadership.