Tributes paid to educator with ‘pioneering spirit’
TRIBUTES HAVE been paid to Maureen Kendler, one of British Jewry’s leading educators, following her death.
A teaching fellow at the London School of Jewish Studies, Ms Kendler was renowned for her sessions at Limmud events around the world and was a regular media contributor.
She was a regular author of the weekly Sidrah column in the JC in 2016 and 2017 and was a former education director at Tzedek.
Ms Kendler died last Friday following a short illness.
Emeritus Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks said she had “inspired and educated hundreds of individuals... with a humble wisdom that was infused with emotional sensitivity and a profound understanding of Judaism.
“It was because of this gift that her teachings reached across the religious spectrum of our community and beyond.”
Hundreds of people attended Ms Kendler’s funeral in London on Sunday.
Born in 1956 and raised in Ilford, Essex, Ms Kendler lived in Brighton with her husband Hayden before moving to London following the birth of the first of her four children.
She taught at North London Collegiate School and later worked as an education officer for the Jewish Council for Equality. She was also a former head of Jewish literacy at UJIA.
In a tribute on Facebook, Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg, senior rabbi of Masor- ti Judaism, wrote: “She was a pioneering spirit in Jewish education in this country and far beyond. Knowledgeable, inspiring, warm-hearted, engaging, entertaining, open-minded and extraordinarily well-read. She was an inspiration to thousands.”
Scott Saunders, March of the Living UK founder and chair, said: “Maureen has been a constant with us on March of the Living for the past six years. For many of us she was more than an outstanding educator — her wisdom, help and advice was so appreciated by so many.”
Paul Anticoni, World Jewish Relief chief executive, said Ms Kendler had been an “integral part” of WJR’s advisory team and had offered “sage advice on the work of the charity through her treasure trove of Jewish wisdom”.
A statement issued by the JW3 community centre in North West London, where Ms Kendler had led sessions, said hundreds of people “enjoyed Maureen’s calm, measured articulation of potentially complex moral and philosophical Jewish concepts, in easily understandable talks, lectures and classes.
“She was blessed with a sharp intellect and equally sharp wit and sense of humour, and could seemingly adapt her teaching to any type of audience, regardless of age, background or level of knowledge. She was one of the most engaging, open-hearted, and beloved Jewish educators.”
A 15-minute speech Ms Kendler delivered at JW3 in 2013 on the marginalisation of women and as part of the JDov series was regarded as a “masterclass” and has been watched online thousands of times.