Dear JTS Community,  

With deep respect for and recognition of her many significant accomplishments and unwavering commitment to JTS, I have accepted Chancellor Shuly Rubin Schwartz’s decision to step down from her position as Chancellor, effective June 2026.  

As Chancellor Schwartz reflected, the past five years have been both turbulent and transformative. Looking back at her tenure, it is evident that JTS has emerged stronger, more vibrant, and more resilient—thanks in no small part to her visionary leadership. Her dedication has ushered in a period of innovation and growth, even amid significant challenges. I look forward to building on the strong foundation Chancellor Schwartz has laid and working with her successor to further advance JTS as a premier institution of Jewish learning and a bastion of nuanced, empathetic dialogue among members of our broader community.  

We are fortunate that after a well-deserved sabbatical, Chancellor Schwartz will remain at JTS as Chancellor Emerita and an integral member of our faculty.  

We are in the process of forming a search committee to identify our next chancellor and are partnering with a leading executive search firm to guide this critical effort. Representatives from our board of trustees, faculty, alumni base, student body, as well as community leaders, will serve on this committee. We are confident we will find someone whose name will join the distinguished list of visionary leaders on the ceremonial medal Chancellor Schwartz described.

This is a moment of great promise for JTS. Our students are passionate and deeply engaged, our alumni are trailblazing leaders in their communities, our faculty are eminent scholars, and our outstanding staff continue to achieve exceptional progress. Together with our dedicated board, I remain confident that we will find a Chancellor with the wisdom, vision, and strength to lead us into the next chapter.

Again, on behalf of the entire JTS community, I offer heartfelt thanks to Chancellor Schwartz for her devoted service and lasting contributions, and look forward to her continued leadership over the coming academic year. 

Sincerely,  

Alan Levine
Chair, Board of Trustees