Building a Bridge Between Two Worlds: EMA Student Dan Swartz on his Journey from Public Education to Jewish Educational Leadership

After more than two decades in public education, Dan Swartz, Education Director at Beth El Hebrew Congregation, felt called to channel his passion for learning and community into a new purpose: shaping Jewish life through education. That calling led him to Hebrew Union College's Executive M.A. in Jewish Education (EMA), a program that's given him deeper knowledge, mentorship, and the tools to lead Jewish communities with heart and vision.

What inspired you to pursue the EMA program?

I spent 24 years in public education, from teacher to Assistant Superintendent. I loved that work, but over time it stopped filling my bucket. I moved from that world into the Jewish educational one.

When I took my new position at a synagogue, I was looking for two things. One: a stronger and more developed way to think about not only my own Judaism, but how I would structure curriculum and pedagogy with a Jewish-first lens. Two: mentoring/coaching from the field. Both of these objectives were achieved by diving into the EMA program.

How has your background in Jewish life shaped your goals as an educator?

Prior to becoming an Education Director, I had taught religious school and been the long-time music teacher at the synagogue in which I grew up, then served as a Shaliach Tzibur and Board member there. At the time, I didn't know that I was looking for a place to re-imagine how education can impact children and their families. However, I found my new position allowing me to think creatively about what it meant to educate the next generation.

I love being Jewish, but that part of my identity wasn't a primary driver of my leadership. In my new role, it is front and center and allows me to lead more from my heart.

What have you gained from the EMA program so far?

Confidence. Whenever I have had a project for the EMA it has been also used in my professional setting. The courses have also helped me hone my leadership and curriculum/program development to have a Jewish lens.

How will this help you serve the Jewish people?

As I move from public school leadership into Jewish educational leadership, I bring with me a deep commitment to inclusive, mission-driven learning communities and a strong belief in the transformative power of education. I recognize that leading within the Jewish community requires its own language and tools-rooted in our texts, values, and traditions-combined with the adaptive leadership necessary for the evolving landscape of Jewish life.

The EMA program is helping me bridge my professional experience and the distinct needs of Jewish institutions. It's building my "top shelf"-the collection of foundational texts, thinkers, and learnings that I return to again and again as a leader. When I first arrived at HUC, that shelf lacked Jewish voices. Now, it is being reshaped to reflect a Jewish lens that allows me to lead with authenticity, spiritual grounding, and strong relational wisdom.

My goal is to bring what I am learning to steward Jewish organizations that are rooted in tradition, alive with creativity, driven by bold vision, and filled with belonging and purpose.