Jack D. Spiro

Jack D. Spiro served as the Harry Lyons Distinguished Chair in Judaic Culture at Virginia Commonwealth University and founded its international online publication, "Menorah Review."

He is the author, co-author or editor of more than 30 books and numerous articles. He was editor-in-chief of Religious Education, journal of the Religious Education Association of North America; founding editor of Compass, national education magazine of Reform Judaism; editorial director of The Torah: A Modern Commentary; and executive editor of the national magazine Reform Judaism. He served as national director of the Commission on Jewish Education for Reform Congregations and is rabbi emeritus of Congregation Beth Ahabah in Richmond.

He has two earned doctorates, one from the Hebrew Union College and one from the University of Virginia. He received honorary doctorates from the Hebrew Union College and the University of Richmond. He is a member of the Phi Alpha Theta National Honorary History Fraternity and honorary lifetime member of the National Association of Temple Educators.

He served in the U.S. Air Force European Command with the rank of captain. He also served as chair of the Richmond Human Relations Commission, president of the Virginia League for Planned Parenthood, member of the Richmond Bar Association's Judiciary Committee, member of the United Way of Richmond executive committee, chair of its Appropriations Committee, and hospice volunteer.

He received a citation from the Liberal and Progressive Synagogues of Great Britain for "outstanding service," VCU's Distinguished Adjunct Faculty Award, the Humanitarian Award of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, a Mayoral Proclamation for contributions to the City of Richmond and the Liberty Bell Award from the Richmond Bar Association. He was recognized by Style Weekly as one of the most influential "Richmonders" of the 20th century.

He is married to Dr. Marilyn L. Spiro, clinical psychologist; they have three children and six grandchildren.