From Beth Rivkah to Bondi
RABBI Yehoshua Smukler will leave Melbourne’s Yeshivah-Beth Rivkah Colleges next year to become the new principal of Moriah College, replacing the departing John Hamey.
Rabbi Smukler will continue in his current role of principal of Yeshivah-Beth Rivkah until mid-2019, and will join Moriah no later than July 2019.
His appointment comes after an international executive search.
In a letter to the Moriah community, College president Stephen Jankelowitz said, “I am very excited by the appointment of an outstanding principal who will lead our school to greater levels of achievement and distinction, ensuring that our Jewish values and our deep love and connection to Israel, remain at the core of all that we do.”
Rabbi Smukler, who Jankelowitz called “an extremely impressive and visionary school leader”, previously worked at Moriah College from 1999 to 2010.
“He understands the critical role that Moriah College has in the Sydney Jewish community and intends to uphold and promote our standing as a school of excellence, delivering a world of opportunities and academic success in a unique Modern Orthodox Zionist Jewish framework,” Jankelowitz said.
Rabbi Smukler said he was looking forward to commencing in the new role.
“The prospect of working alongside and continuing to enhance and lead Moriah College’s team of talented and dedicated educators and leaders, is invigorating,” he said.
“Moriah’s modern orthodox ethos and Zionist ideals resonate deeply with my values and my personal and educational philosophy. I cannot wait to reconnect with the community and lead Moriah through the next bright and glorious chapter in its long and illustrious history.”
Rabbi Smukler joined Yeshivah College in July 2010 as principal, before accepting the expanded role as the Principal of Yeshivah and Beth Rivkah Colleges in 2013.
The Yeshivah–Beth Rivkah Schools Board of Directors thanked Rabbi Smukler for serving “with distinction” during a critical time in the schools’ history.
“Rabbi Smukler, together with his leadership teams, have made a tremendous impact. Under his leadership, the school has thrived in all areas,” they said.
“Our VCE results are amongst the top in the state, and our graduates leave the school with a wealth of Torah knowledge and love for Judaism. This reflects Rabbi Smukler’s vision, expertise and dedication to our community and the fantastic support of his leadership teams.
“With Yeshivah – Beth Rivkah Colleges in a strong position as one of the leading Jewish schools in Australia, Rabbi Smukler feels that now is the right time to pursue a new career opportunity, to live closer to family and to hand on the reins of leadership.”
AJN STAFF
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