Over 250 people attended an afternoon of learning in memory of Maureen Kendler on Sunday afternoon (10th February). The event had to be moved to nearby Middlesex University to accommodate demand for tickets from the many students, friends and colleagues of the much-loved Jewish educator and broadcaster who passed away after a brief illness last February.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
The event, “Teacher, Colleague, Mentor, Friend: Community event in memory of Maureen Kendler z’l”, featured keynote lectures by Judy Klitsner and Gila Fine, both Jerusalem-based educators who were friends of Ms Kendler. Between the two keynote sessions participants could choose from ten shorter break-out sessions with LSJS faculty and graduates of the Susi Bradfield Educational leadership Programme, including New York based educator, Sarah Robinson. The day concluded with a bittersweet panel which reflected on “Maureen’s wit and wisdom”.
Dr Tamra Wright, LSJS Director of Academic Studies, said, “we were delighted that so many people chose to come and celebrate Maureen’s legacy with us in this way. The programme was designed to reflect as many of Maureen’s interests as possible, as well as showcasing brilliant local and international educators, many of whom she mentored.”
The event also highlighted the work of the recently established Maureen Kendler Educational Trust and its first publication All Spoons and No Elbows: Inspiring Radio Broadcasts from a Distinctly Jewish Voice. The book is a collection of scripts from Ms Kendler popular ‘Pause for Thought’ broadcasts on Radio 2. Representatives of the trust, which aims to provide bursaries to encourage Jewish women to undertake advanced studies in Judaism, were present at the event and gave out copies of the book in exchange for a donation.
Shoshi Ish-Horowicz said, “this was such a wonderful event for celebrating Maureen. It was an inspiring way to remember her teaching, her warmth and how much she touched so many people.”
Rabbi Dr Raphael Zarum, Dean of LSJS, said “The sessions were packed and the atmosphere was electric – we are so grateful to Middlesex University for allowing us to use their superb facilities for our event."
