Sid Schwarz

Rabbi Sid Schwarz has been a congregational rabbi, a social entrepreneur, an author and a political activist. He founded and led PANIM: The Institute for Jewish Leadership and Values for 21 years, an organization that is dedicated to inspiring, training and empowering Jewish youth to a life of leadership, activism and service. Dr. Schwarz previously served as the executive director of the Jewish Community Council of Greater Washington D.C. where he oversaw the public affairs and community relations work for the Jewish community. He is the founding rabbi of Adat Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation in Bethesda, MD where he continues to teach and lead services. Dr. Schwarz holds a Ph.D. in Jewish history and is the author of over 100 articles and two groundbreaking books--Finding a Spiritual Home: How a New Generation of Jews Can Transform the American Synagogue (Jossey-Bass, 2000) and Judaism and Justice: The Jewish Passion to Repair the World (Jewish Lights, 2006).

In 2002 Sid was awarded the prestigious Covenant Award for his pioneering work in the field of Jewish education. In 2007 Sid was named by Newsweek one of the 50 most influential rabbis in North America. A frequent lecturer on Judaism, the American Jewish community, and contemporary Jewish affairs, Sid does consulting to Jewish organizations throughout North America.