Rabbi Bayfield to move on in 2011
Monday, 22 March 2010
MRJ makes plans for Boyd Gelfand succession
Rabbi Dr. Tony Bayfield, the Head of the Movement for Reform Judaism (MRJ) has announced his intention to retire from that post in June 2011 when he reaches his 65th birthday.The Board of MRJ is now working on plans for current Executive Director, Rabbi Shoshana Boyd Gelfand, to become the Movement’s Chief Executive, while Rabbi Bayfield would become its President. The new appointments are subject to the approval of the Movement’s Council and are being proposed as part of a wider package of constitutional reforms, designed to update the governance model and increase the influence of the member synagogues.
The plan is for Rabbi Boyd Gelfand, who joined the MRJ as its Executive Director in 2007, to take over responsibility for the Movement’s vision, strategy and operating plan, and its relationships with the rest of the Jewish community. She will also take on an increasing role as a public face of Reform Judaism.
It is intended that Rabbi Bayfield should become the Movement’s President, for an initial three year term. As President, he would, on a voluntary basis, continue to articulate the theology and ideology of the Reform Movement in his writings, lectures and sermons, and would take a lead on interfaith work, including remaining as a President of the Council of Christians and Jews. The current President of MRJ, Sir Sigmund Sternberg, would then become the Movement’s Life President.
Commenting on the proposed changes, Chair of the Movement for Reform Judaism, Stephen Moss, said:
“Tony is one of Reform Judaism’s greatest assets. He will be 65 in 15 months’ time and wants to make the transition to a new phase in his working life. Tony has generously given us long notice of his intentions and plans are therefore well advanced to manage the succession effectively. In Rabbi Shoshana Boyd Gelfand we have an outstanding successor readily available, who already knows the Movement back to front. We are delighted that Tony has expressed his willingness to retain an important voluntary position in the Movement as its President in June 2011 and, meanwhile, to continue to work flat out in his current role.”
Rabbi Bayfield added:
“I think that, if they have the luxury, people should move on whilst they are ahead. I have been working – gladly – according to agendas set for me for over forty years. It has been a privilege but I am really looking forward to serving the movement in the role as President and pursuing areas of particular interest to me and value to the Movement – writing, teaching and preaching in the areas of Jewish and interfaith theology.”
“In Shoshana, the Movement has a person with tremendous strengths and her own distinctive approach. I know that she will renew and extend the vision of Reform Judaism in this country. Having worked with her for over 3 years makes me certain that I should and could step down as Head of Movement next year at 65 and that I can do so with the utmost confidence.”
Rabbi Boyd Gelfand commented:
“Working with Tony is a great privilege. I am looking forward to being able to pay tribute to him properly, but I know he will be continuing to give the Movement his all until next June, so now is not the time.
“The opportunity for me to take over the reins from such a thoughtful and effective leader would be irresistible and I would welcome the new role envisioned for me.”
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