Rabbi Steven Schwartz: A Leader in Building Progressive Jewish Community

Rabbi Dana Saroken, a Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude graduate of the University of Arizona's Honors Program, is a remarkable individual who has dedicated his life to building a progressive and inclusive Jewish community. As the Senior Rabbi at Beth El, he continues on the path paved by his predecessors, including Rabbi Mark Loeb and Rabbi Jacob Agus.

Rabbi Schwartz's passion for music is well-known, with a special affinity for the Grateful Dead. He resides in Owings Mills with his children, Talia, Joshua, and Merav, following the passing of his late wife, Rebecca Schwartz Z'L. His commitment to building a community where all are welcome has been evident throughout his career.

In addition to his service at Beth El, Rabbi Schwartz is actively involved in the broader Jewish community. He serves as a member of the Executive Council of the Rabbinical Assembly and as a community member at large on the Johns Hopkins Homewood Institutional Review Board. He also sits on the Boards of Directors for the Associated, the Zanvyl and Isabelle Krieger Fund, and the Baltimore Jewish Council, where he holds an officer position.

Rabbi Schwartz's educational background is impressive, with degrees from Brandeis University, the University of Maryland, and a Masters degree in Psychology. Ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary in 1998, he has been a guiding force at Beth El since 1998, when he began serving as the congregation's Assistant Rabbi.

In his current role as Senior Rabbi, Rabbi Schwartz occupies the Rabbi Mark Loeb Senior Rabbi's Chair, endowed by the Herbert Bearman Foundation. He continues to inspire and lead the Beth El community, embodying the values of progressive Judaism and fostering a sense of belonging for all members of the congregation.

Merle ochrach steven schwartz