Spiro named to Lyons Distinguished Chair in Judaic Studies at VCU

By Lissette Linares

The Board of Visitors of Virginia Commonwealth University yesterday named Jack D. Spiro, Ph.D., the first Harry Lyons Distinguished Chair in Judaic Culture. The appointment will be within the University’s College of Humanities and Sciences.

Spiro will continue in his role as director of the Center for Judaic Studies at VCU, as well as affiliate professor of religious studies and editor of VCU’s international publication, "Menorah Review."

"We are pleased that Dr. Spiro will continue to share with VCU and the community at large his excellent skills in teaching and community service, while honoring Dr. Lyons through this distinguished title," said Stephen D. Gottfredson, Ph.D., dean of the College of Humanities and Sciences.

The Harry Lyons Distinguished Chair in Judaic Culture is named in honor of the late Harry Lyons, Ph.D., a 1923 graduate and former dean of the VCU School of Dentistry. Upon his death in 1993, Lyons left more than $670,000 to support the Judaic Studies program at VCU and establish the chair, both of which focus on Judaic culture, ethics, history and tradition.

Spiro came to Richmond in 1973 after serving in the United States Air Force as a chaplain with the rank of captain. He then became the national director of education for Reform Judaism. He has doctorates from Hebrew Union College and the University of Virginia. He also has done post-doctoral work at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Spiro is Rabbi Emeritus of Congregation Beth Ahabah in Richmond and serves as scholar-in-residence at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.