Chancellor Schwartz’s Summer Visit in New England

Chancellor Shuly Rubin Schwartz spent several inspiring days in New England, surrounded by natural beauty, engaged in thoughtful conversations, and energized by the joyful spirit of both children and adults. The extended weekend was filled with meaningful connections and dynamic discussions.

She began her trip at Camp Ramah in New England where she reunited with family, JTS alumni, and enthusiastic campers. While there, she met with senior staff, participated in camper led morning prayers, and engaged with the oldest campers. In an open discussion, they spoke about their experiences as high school students since October 7 – which for them meant their entire high school careers. The campers spoke freely about the challenges they faced and their pain and concerns. Read her reflections on the visit here.

Next, Chancellor Schwartz attended a warm reception hosted by author Letty Cottin Pogrebin. Together, they delved into a range of timely topics, including the importance of Jewish storytelling – which has culminated in JTS’s new MFA in Creative Writing, the recent convening Israel at a Crossroads: Navigating Religion, Democracy, and Justice, the critical role that JTS’s students have played on college campuses in the aftermath of October 7, and the future of Jewish spiritual leadership. The evening concluded with a Q&A, with guests posing insightful and thought-provoking questions.

The following morning, she headed to Shakespeare and Company in Lenox, MA, where she led a compelling session titled “Jews and American Politics: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.” Speaking to a packed room, Chancellor Schwartz offered historical reflections and contemporary insights, urging the audience to consider how the diverse ways that American Jews exercised their political rights as voters, supporters, and influencers in the past can help us chart our way forward in an uncertain political landscape.

Later that day, she joined the community at Knesset Israel for spirited Kabbalat Shabbat services, followed by a special Shabbat dinner. There, she offered reflections on the evolution of Conservative Judaism, exploring how the movement captured the imagination of 20th-century American Jews and helped shape modern Jewish identity.

On Shabbat morning, Chancellor Schwartz returned to the bimah to present “Shattering the Glass Ceiling: Women and the Reimagining of American Judaism.” Together with the congregation, she shared a feminist reading of the story of Balak and explored the transformative impact of women’s leadership on Jewish life—how their increasing presence in ritual, scholarship, and communal leadership has opened new paths toward inclusion and creativity.

Chancellor Schwartz’s visit to New England was a powerful celebration of Jewish learning, leadership, and connection.