08/19/2026
CONGREGATION NER TAMID welcomes Joel Swedlove as the Temple’s new Executive Director!
Joel has an M.S. in Organizational Leadership & Innovation from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion and received his B.S. in Communications from the University of Phoenix.
Joel most recently served as the Director of Maccabi Sports Camp, the West Coast’s only overnight Jewish Sports Camp. While at camp, he helped develop the program and culture, wrote the camp song, and took part in multiple fundraising campaigns. Before his time at Maccabi, Joel spent time in San Antonio, Texas, working as the Director of Youth Programs and Informal Education for Temple Beth-El (San Antonio, TX) from June 2016 to 2020 before becoming the Synagogue’s first Director of Strategic Engagement.
Before his time in Texas, he worked at the Adelson Educational Campus in Las Vegas, as a Jewish Music Teacher, Athletics Assistant, and Coach. Joel has gained significant experience in informal education, having spent his summers as a Song Leader, Unit Head, and Program Director for Camps Alonim, Hess Kramer, and JCC Maccabi Sports Camp, respectively.
Joel grew up in the Reform movement from his early summers at Camp Swig and Newman to serving as Religious and Cultural VP on NFTY Southern California’s Regional Board. Upon graduating High School, he served as Youth Group Advisor and Director for Congregations throughout Southern California and Las Vegas.
RabbiCantor Jessica Hutchings
Julie Bressler
HK Singer
Joel Swedlove
