Dr. Sara Schwartz Appointed New Dean of The Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies

Coinciding with the Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies second semester, Bible Lecturer Dr. Sarah Schwartz is taking up her duties as Dean of the Institute. A noted Biblical scholar focused on teaching and researching literary philology, Dr. Schwartz formerly headed Schechter’s Bible Studies Department.

Dr. Sara Schwartz, the Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies’ new Dean

Dr. Schwartz is the author of over a dozen articles and one book examining the Bible as literature. Utilizing insights from anthropology, psychology and sociology, she brings to life Pentateuchal, historiographical narratives and biblical poetry. An active member of the international Society for Biblical Literature (SBL), she has been responsible for organizing and chairing academic sessions as well as presenting subjects and papers to academic colleagues.

“I am excited to take over the office of dean. It comes with a great feeling of responsibility and I am ready with 100% commitment,” notes Dr. Schwartz.

She takes over from Dr. Noa Yuval Hacham, an expert in Jewish art and sacred texts, who served as Schechter’s dean for three and one-half years.

Dr. Schwartz says her job, “is to help realize Schechter’s goals to serve as an academic institution, adhering to the values of quality and excellence alongside a deep connection to Israeli society.” A major focus is to further Schechter’s ongoing commitment in pursuing and developing projects, classes and seminars, breaking down the walls between the tower of academia and the changing realities of Israeli society, particularly in the aftermath of the October 7^th, 2023 Hamas attack and subsequent war. 

“This combination is uncommon, and I am proud to be a partner in an academic institution that strives for a serious, meaningful, honest, and open intellectual discourse, especially in these fateful days,” posits Schwartz.

One of her other major goals is to expand outreach with institutions in Israel and abroad – academic as well as social and cultural, thereby broadening connections and opportunities for joint initiatives and academic scholarship that address issues that are relevant for the Jewish people in Israel and around the globe.

Schwartz’ term coincides with completion of a major capital campaign that led to the successful renovation of Schechter’s 62 year-old library and administration building. With new offices filled with light – natural as well as intellectual – the building offers improved working spaces and technologies.

Says Schwartz, “I hope that we will be a magnet for all those who wish and strive to directly experience the Jewish spiritual and textual worlds. Schechter will work to contribute our part in exposing our students to the light in our learning and creative spaces.”