Dan Horwitz Named CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville

The Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville announces that Rabbi Dan Horwitz will be its next CEO, beginning August 1, 2023. Dan brings extensive experience as a leader in innovative Jewish engagement, and as a charismatic Jewish educator, fundraiser, and non-profit executive.

“Dan’s professional background, skills, and energy make him an outstanding choice to lead the Jewish community of Nashville,” said Leslie Kirby, the Federation’s president and chair of the Search Committee. “The Nashville Jewish community has grown tremendously in recent years and will continue to evolve rapidly. Dan has a proven record of innovation and driving engagement based on Jewish values. We are thrilled that Dan will bring his creativity and energy to Nashville.”

“Nashville is primed for explosive growth in Jewish engagement,” said Horwitz. “I am excited to build upon the beautiful foundation already established in Nashville and to help take the Jewish Federation to the next level. I love weaving people into community and together making an impact.”

With years of Jewish Communal leadership experience, Horwitz comes to the Nashville Federation from metro Detroit where he most recently served as a rabbi of a 900+ family synagogue, and before that was the CEO of the Alper JCC in Miami. Horwitz was the Founding Director and Rabbi of The Well, a Jewish outreach organization geared to the needs of Millennials which was repeatedly recognized as one of the most innovative Jewish organizations in North America. He also previously served as the organizational Rabbi and Director of Immersive Learning for Moishe House, the global leader in Jewish young adult engagement and education.

"We considered not only how the Jewish community in Nashville has changed, but how we want it to change”, said Search Committee co-Chair Fred Zimmerman. “Our search committee reflected the demographic and geographic history and evolution of our community. We are all excited about what Dan will bring to Nashville and the developments to come."

Horwitz holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in politics from Brandeis University, along with a JD and a Masters in sport management from the University of Michigan. He also holds Masters degrees in Jewish Studies and in Jewish Education from Gratz College and Hebrew College, respectively, and is an ordained rabbi.

Dan will be joined in Nashville by his wife Miriam and their three school-aged children. “Southern hospitality is real and special, as I have been privileged to experience in past professional and personal roles. Miriam and I are looking forward to raising our children in what is clearly a warm, welcoming, and engaged community.”