Farewell to Rabbi Dr. Michael Shire
Written by Movement for Reform Judaism Friday, 29 July 2011
After 23 years, 10 of which were served as Vice–Principal of Leo Baeck College and previous to that 13 years as Director of the Centre for Jewish Education (CJE), Leo Baeck College is saying farewell to Rabbi Dr. Michael Shire.
As Director of CJE, Michael supported the establishment of two pluralist Jewish primary schools and a pluralist secondary school. As Vice-Principal and later interim Principal he led the merger with LBC and chaired the international 50th anniversary rabbinic conference of the College.
He initiated a complete review of the rabbinic curriculum and introduced integration of academic and vocational subjects. He established scholarships funds for rabbinic students and led five successful LBC Summer Institutes for Jewish leadership.
Michael was instrumental in the interfaith Clergy United seminars held at the College and the Shared Responsibility seminar held last October
was the first of its kind in the world bringing together formal and informal educators, lay leaders and rabbis to plan for the future of Jewish education in this country.
Throughout this time, Michael has led the process of professionalising part-time Jewish educators with the establishment of the College’s academic courses. Most importantly, he set up the MA in Jewish education.
Michael was influential in highlighting the importance of family education and brought 'Godly Play' to us. He was responsible for many important initiatives for Jewish education in this country such as, the Israel seminars, the Scholars in Residence programme, the Summer Institute and Lay Leadership seminars.
He sought and secured funding for many innovative projects, such as the Hebrew curriculum, Community of Learners and other adult learning programmes and under his leadership, many other programmes continue.
Michael’s contribution to Progressive Jewish education in this country has been immense and his influence will continue long after he leaves us.
Michael has been appointed Dean of the Shoolman Graduate School of Jewish Education and Professor of Jewish Religious Education at Hebrew College Boston from 1st September 2011.
A spokesperson for Leo Baeck College added that "Michael will be missed by his friends and colleagues at the College and we wish him all the best in his new role".
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