Rabbi Michael Schwab began his career at NSS Beth El in 2004 and was named Senior Rabbi in 2019. He has brought to Beth El a strong sense of community, engaging innovative programming, a deep love for Israel, an unbridled enthusiasm for serving others, a passion for our rich tradition and an uplifting sense of joy in teaching and practicing Judaism.
In addition to his work at Beth El, Rabbi Schwab is the Immediate Past President of the Chicago Board of Rabbis, served on the JUF/Jewish Federation Board of Directors, serves as a Shalom Hartman Institute Rabbinic Leadership Fellow, and as member of the National Council of Rabbis for JNF. Rabbi Schwab has also chaired JUF’s Synagogue Federation Commission, served as vice Chair of the JCRC, served on the Solomon Schechter Day School Board, as a Chicago Global Justice Fellow for American Jewish World Service, is a past President of the Chicagoland Rabbinical Assembly, a past member of the National Council of AIPAC, and was among those selected to participate in Hebrew University’s Melton Center Senior Educators Program for Outstanding Diaspora Educators. Rabbi Schwab was chosen as a fellow in the STAR PEER Rabbinic Leadership Program for early career rabbis who have demonstrated leadership excellence and he completed Northwestern University’s Kellogg Management Education Program. He is now a member of Kellogg’s Jewish Leaders Circle.
Rabbi Michael Schwab was born in Philadelphia, he received his BA from Rutgers University, where he majored in History and Jewish Studies. Rabbi Schwab received his ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America (JTS) in May, 2004 and received an MA in Jewish Education from the William Davidson Graduate School of Education.
Rabbi Schwab is married to his lovely wife, Erica, who is a behavioral therapist focusing on children with developmental disabilities. They have four children: Ari, Liana, Noa and Miri.