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Rabbi Dannel I. Schwartz

To Our Community

It is with a heavy heart and overwhelming sadness in sharing that Temple Shir Shalom’s founding rabbi, Dannel Schwartz, died Sunday, October 29, 2023 at the age of 77.

We are all in shock learning of this tragedy, including the four of us. Rabbi Schwartz gave life to our congregation, literally. Even in his retirement, his passion and love were our heart and our soul and our blessing. So many of us can share stories of his impact on their lives, personal moments leaving an indelible imprint that will be with them and us forever. We invite you to share your stories here.

We grieve deeply with the mourners. Beloved husband of Suzi Romanik. Dear father of Ari (Jennifer) Schwartz and Peter (Leia) Schwartz. Loving grandfather of Gabriel, Eli and Ayal. Also survived by his extended family, beloved congregants and a world of friends.

Rabbi Dannel’s legacy is the relationships we treasure today. He brought us together and created a community that cares for one another. We will rely upon this in the days and weeks and years to come – and in doing so, celebrate the blessing he was to our world.

Rabbi Michael Moskowitz     Rabbi Daniel Schwartz

Cantor Penny Steyer               Allison Parr, President

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Rabbi Dannel I. Schwartz Legacy Fund

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Biography

Rabbi Dannel I. Schwartz, z"l began Temple Shir Shalom in 1988 with just 30 families in a converted office building on Maple Road. Within three months of its founding, Shir Shalom had grown to almost 500 families. Five years later he spearheaded the design and construction of the structure that is presently our home. Rabbi Schwartz founded a congregation of over 900 families that is one of the most innovative Temples on the American scene today.

Rabbi Schwartz began his rabbinic career in 1972 and received his doctoral degree from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in 1997. He was elected President of the Michigan Board of Rabbis and the Vice President of the North American Board of Rabbis. Before the genesis of Shir Shalom, Rabbi Schwartz served as the Senior Rabbi of Temple Beth El in Birmingham, Michigan. A certified Chaplain, Dr. Schwartz most recently served on the staff of Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan.

An author, Rabbi Schwartz wrote "Finding Joy: A Practical Spiritual Guide to Happiness" published by Jewish Lights and translated into both German and Hebrew, and a hospital prayer book used in 200 leading hospitals in North America entitled "On The Wings of Healing" published by Heliographis, Ltd. His numerous articles on religion and spirituality have appeared in scores of magazines and journals. He served as a technical consultant in Jewish mystical practices on the TV show The X-Files.

Beloved husband of Suzi Romanik. Cherished father of Ari (Jennifer) Schwartz and Peter (Leia) Schwartz. Proud grandfather of Gabriel, Eli, and Ayal.

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Tue, January 21 2025 21 Tevet 5785