Support all of the Chancellor’s administrative needs, including short and long-term schedule management; meeting coordination, preparation, and follow up; internal and external communications; travel bookings; and acting as a welcoming presence in the JTS Chancellor’s office suite. In addition, provide support, as needed, to the Vice Chancellor for Religious Life and Engagement.
Duties/Responsibilities:
Communicate, on behalf of the Chancellor, with all internal staff, external stakeholders, and partner entities, both in the US and in Israel
Handle all correspondence needs for the Chancellor and sort, disperse, and prioritize all incoming correspondence
Maintain calendar for the Chancellor: schedule, confirm, and adjust meetings, conference calls, and events as necessary, coordinate logistics (e.g., space, catering, equipment, travel, set-up, etc.) for meetings and events, coordinate with partner organizations on all collaborative meeting and scheduling matters
Screen and follow up calls as well as invitations to the Chancellor
Greet, monitor, and receive visitors; maintain and ensure the Chancellor’s office suite is welcoming
Anticipates the needs of the Chancellor for donor outreach, entertainment, and scheduling and speaking preparation
Needs to schedule two donor meetings a week for the Chancellor
Order and organize all supplies and ensure the office is well stocked (pens, water, coffee pods, etc.)
Prepare the Chancellor for meetings by preparing relevant documents and reviewing content of forthcoming meetings with appropriate lead-time
Make travel arrangements on behalf of the Chancellor, including making all relevant bookings
Work with the Chancellor to submit relevant expense reports on a monthly basis
Edit and transcribe meeting notes and manage follow up
Maintain record system via both paper and electronic filing
Handle other assigned tasks and duties reasonably related to the noted job responsibilities
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
Minimum 5+ years related experience working as executive/administrative assistant
Prior experience working with senior management and major stakeholders
Enjoy being the “front-line” face of a dynamic, entrepreneurial organization serving multiple constituencies
Exceptional verbal, written, and diplomatic skills
Ability to exercise discretion with confidential matters
Ease in developing relationships and forging professional partnerships
Team player with proven ability to work well with all levels of employees
Proficiency in MS Office Suite of programs with the highest levels of proficiency using Outlook, Word, Teams, and OneDrive
Capacity to learn new digital platforms easily
Strong organizational skills with an ability to multi-task and prioritize competing demands
Exhibit a polished and professional demeanor
Knowledge of Hebrew is a plus
Must be available during evenings and on weekends for electronic communications
Application Instructions:
Please e-mail your resume and cover letter to hrdept@jtsa.edu.
Reports To: Director of IT Position Status: Full-time Weekly Hours: 35-hour work week Probationary Period: 3 months Pay rate: $75,000–$85,000 per year
Description of the Position:
This position is responsible for the development, configuration, installation, troubleshooting and maintenance of existing and new systems, and storage resources on the JTSA campus. Working closely with other members of the IT team.
Duties/Responsibilities:
The Senior Software Applications Engineer will administer and engineer all aspects of critical infrastructure applications and services (e.g. ERP, application servers and .NET applications on the servers, data storage backup, etc…). Design and develop and improve solutions using the software development cycle. Document software programs with diagrams and other documentation. Must be able to create and maintain API with different vendor applications. This position will provide assistance to and serve as backup for other members of the IT team.
Participate in the development, installation, configuration, deployment, monitoring and maintenance of the Donor database and ERP LAN/Wan network environments
Research, recommend and participate in implementation efforts for infrastructure services as they pertain to both technology solutions as well as internal processes and procedures.
Minimum Requirements:
BA Degree
Minimum 5+ years of professional experience in a similar role
Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
Knowledge of Microsoft OS
Familiar with an ERP and SQL
Knowledge of Active Directory, Azure and Microsoft O65
Must have ability to identify, diagnose and troubleshoot systems and network problems.
Knowledge of networking and TCP/IP protocols
Advanced knowledge of .NET and all its services
Ability to work with a variety of software applications includeing APIs
Familiarity with and Dell VM servers
Experience working in a fast paced environment
Must be able to lift 50 lbs
Application Instructions:
Please e-mail your resume and cover letter to hrdept@jtsa.edu.
Reports To: Chief Communication Officer Position Status: Full-time/35-hour work week Pay Rate: $75,000 per year
Description of the Position:
The Marketing and Multimedia Manager reports to the Chief Communications Officer and is part of the communications team responsible for implementing JTS’s marketing and communications strategy in order to build institutional awareness, engagement, and financial support.
As the Marketing and Multimedia Manager, you will manage the creative vision and execution of projects and transform marketing and communication strategies into impactful, engaging visuals that advance JTS’s mission.
Primary responsibilities include managing visual communications, creative media, video, social media creative, and storytelling for the institution’s programs. Specific responsibilities include graphic design, video production, website support, creation of event marketing materials, and maintaining brand standards.
The ideal candidate for this position is a motivated self-starter who understands marketing and is fluent in using digital technology in the service of marketing goals; is comfortable working both independently and collaboratively, managing tight deadlines, and overseeing projects from idea to completion.
Duties/Responsibilities:
Produce high-quality graphics for digital, web, social, email, and print.
Design flyers, brochures, ads, social media graphics and other promotional materials as needed
Video Production: Create and produce promotional videos, trailers, event highlights, interviews, reels, and other creative video content. Find fresh and innovative ways to tell JTS’s brand story. Serve as the project lead for video assignments from concept through dissemination.
Website support: Manage visual content on institutional website
Responsible for managing photo shoots, photo editing, and maintaining the photo archive.
Serve as institutional brand steward, ensuring brand standards are followed.
In collaboration with Chief Communications Officer, develop social media strategy, campaign visuals, and day-to-day implementation across a variety of platforms.
Work with various stakeholders to assist with communications needs and improve visual marketing elements.
Contribute to JTS’s overall marketing and communications strategy and implementation of the strategic plan.
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual communication, or related field
Strong portfolio showcasing a range of creative work, including marketing campaigns, fundraising materials, digital and print design, and brand collateral
Experienced and skilled with digital design and video software
5 years of experience in marketing, communications, or related fields.
Outstanding written, verbal, editorial, and interpersonal communication skills
Working knowledge of email campaign tools, online content marketing, social media management, and content management systems for websites.
Basic HTML knowledge is useful.
Attention to detail and a high degree of professionalism.
Ability to handle multiple projects, work well under pressure, prioritize, meet deadlines, and produce quality results on schedule.
Strong skills as a project manager and team player who can collaborate well with peers and senior management.
Knowledge of the organized Jewish community is not required but is helpful.
Last week, 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 led a stimulating shiur, adding depth and spirit to the camp’s vibrant Jewish learning environment.
Next, Chancellor Schwartz attended a warm reception hosted by author Letty Cottin Pogrebin. Together, they delved into a range of timely topics, including JTS’s new MFA in Creative Writing, the recent convening Israel at a Crossroads: Navigating Religion, Democracy, and Justice, and the future of JTS and Judaism. 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 Jewish American experience can help us navigate an uncertain political future.
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 explored the transformative impact of women’s leadership in 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.
Jewish Worlds Illuminated: A Treasury of Hebrew Manuscripts from The JTS Library
Jewish Worlds Illuminated: A Treasury of Hebrew Manuscripts from The JTS Library
September 17–December 27, 2025 Grolier Club 47 E 60th St. New York, NY 10022
Jewish Worlds Illuminated features over 100 manuscripts and books offering a world tour of Jewish literary creativity across many centuries and thousands of miles. The exhibition explores the diversity of cultures in the lands in which Jews resided, including Egypt, the Ottoman Empire, Yemen, Iraq and Iran, Italy, France, Spain, and Germany. Curated by Professor David Kraemer, Sharon Liberman-Mintz, and Dr. Marcus Mordecai Schwartz, and drawn from the important rare book collection of The Library of The Jewish Theological Seminary, exhibition highlights include a fund-raising letter signed by the great rabbi and philosopher, Moses Maimonides; a monumental decorated prayer book for the Jewish High Holidays, created in Germany in 1290, which opens with an elaborate Gothic portal inviting the reader to enter and engage in the prayers; a richly illustrated Passover Haggadah from Renaissance Italy by the master scribe-artist Joel Ben Simeon; and a 1875 Haggadah from Baghdad, written in Hebrew and Judeo-Arabic. Made possible by support from the David Berg Foundation and the Dorothy Tapper Goldman Foundation.
Attend a Lecture
The Decoration of Hebrew Manuscripts with Sharon Liberman-Mintz and Emile Schrijver Monday, October 20, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
Monday, September 29, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. Monday, November 3, 2025 at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, November 16, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. Monday, December 1, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. Sunday, December 14, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.
Tour registration will be available at a later date.
Sunday Openings
October 19, November 2, November 16, and December 14 at 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Symposium in Honor of Dr. Jonathan D. Sarna
Two weeks ago, Chancellor Schwartz participated on a panel at a day-long symposium held in honor of Dr. Jonathan D. Sarna, the Joseph H. and Belle R. Braun Professor of American Jewish History in the department of Near Eastern and Judaic Studies and director of the Schusterman Center for Israel Studies at Brandeis University. The event brought together leading voices from diverse fields to celebrate Dr. Sarna’s extraordinary career and enduring contributions to Jewish scholarship.
Chancellor Schwartz appeared with Rabbi David Wolpe, Scholar in Residence at the Maimonides Fund and Rabbi Emeritus of Sinai Temple; Rabbi David Ingber, founder of Romemu Synagogue and Senior Director of Jewish Life at the Bronfman Center of 92NY; and moderator Rabbi Lisa Grant, PhD, Director of the Rabbinical Program at Hebrew Union College.
Together, they engaged in a thought-provoking discussion on the current state and future of American Jewry in the wake of October 7. Topics included the rise of antisemitism, the “surge” of Jewish engagement, emerging divisions within the Jewish community, and the geographic consolidation of global Jewry. The panelists provided eye-opening insights and a compelling analysis that resonated deeply with attendees.
Later sessions shifted focus to themes of “Advocacy” and “Philanthropy,” culminating in special comments by Dr. Sarna himself. It was an inspiring conclusion to a memorable day of recognition for this preeminent scholar of American Judaism.
Listen now to a recent podcast conversation between Dr. Sarna and Ellie Gettinger, JTS’s Director of Outreach. Together they explore the roots of North American Zionism.
Symposium in Honor of Dr. Jonathan D. Sarna
Last week, Chancellor Schwartz participated in a distinguished panel at a day-long symposium held in honor of Dr. Jonathan D. Sarna, the Joseph H. and Belle R. Braun Professor of American Jewish History in the department of Near Eastern and Judaic Studies and director of the Schusterman Center for Israel Studies at Brandeis University. The event brought together leading voices from diverse fields to celebrate Dr. Sarna’s extraordinary career and enduring contributions to Jewish scholarship.
Chancellor Schwartz appeared on a panel with Rabbi David Wolpe, Scholar in Residence at the Maimonides Fund and Rabbi Emeritus of Sinai Temple; Rabbi David Ingber, founder of Romemu Synagogue and Senior Director of Jewish Life at the Bronfman Center of 92NY; and moderator Rabbi Lisa Grant, PhD, Director of the Rabbinical Program at Hebrew Union College.
Together, they engaged in a thought-provoking discussion on the current state and future of American Jewry in the wake of October 7. Topics included the rise of antisemitism, the “surge” of Jewish engagement, emerging divisions within the Jewish community, and the geographic consolidation of global Jewry. The panelists provided eye-opening insights and a compelling analysis that resonated deeply with attendees.
Later sessions shifted focus to themes of “Advocacy” and “Philanthropy,” culminating in special comments by Dr. Sarna himself. It was an inspiring conclusion to a memorable day of recognition for this preeminent scholar of American Judaism.
Meet This Year’s Ordinees
At our ordination ceremony (Tekes Hasmakhah), JTS ordained 12 new rabbis and cantors. Read the teachings that guided them throughout their studies at JTS and that they will be taking into the future.
Enlighten our eyes with Your Torah, and cause our hearts to hold to Your commandments, and unify our hearts to love and revere Your name.
Liturgy, Ahavah Rabah
Alex Friedman
אביגדור אברהם בן לאה ריבא ויוחנן הוּא הָיָה אוֹמֵר, חָבִיב אָדָם שֶׁנִּבְרָא בְצֶלֶם. חִבָּה יְתֵרָה נוֹדַעַת לוֹ שֶׁנִּבְרָא בְצֶלֶם
Rabbi Akiva would say: Beloved are people, that they were created in God’s image. Even more beloved are they, because it was made known to them that they were made in God’s image.
Why is the Torah likened to a fig tree? It is because other trees—the olive tree, the grapevine, the date tree—are each harvested all at one time, but the fig tree is harvested little by little. So too is the Torah.
One studies a bit today and more tomorrow, because it is not learned in just one or two years.
