Rabbi Ari Ze'ev Schwartz, originally from Sydney, Australia, studied at the University of New South Wales majoring in music and film before coming to Jerusalem, where he has been studying Jewish spirituality for the last ten years under acclaimed rabbis, kabbalists and Jewish philosophers. Rabbi Schwartz is the Cofounder and Dean of the recently founded Society of Independent Spirituality, located in downtown Jerusalem, at Holzer books. Previously, Rabbi Schwartz served as the Head Rabbi of Bnei Akiva's Hachshara program for three and a half years. In addition, he teaches the writings of Rav Kook, Rebbe Nachman, Jewish Philosophy, and Tanach at several Yeshivot and Midrashot in Jerusalem. Rabbi Schwartz lives with his wife and two daughters in Nachlaot, Jerusalem