The London School of Jewish Studies, the Orthodox college which runs adult education and teacher training programmes, has appointed its first female chief executive.

Joanne Greenaway, who is the get case director at the London Beth Din dealing with divorces, will take up the position in January.

She said she was delighted to join the college “to lead the unfolding strategic direction of the organisation. LSJS is one of Anglo Jewry’s most important institutions with a great history of teaching Torah and developing world class educators and leaders.”

LSLS was founded as Jews'  College in 1855 to train ministers for Anglo-Jewish synagogues.

Rabbi Raphael Zarum, dean of LSJS, said he was “really excited” about the appointment. “Jo is a leading light of our community and is sure to invigorate the leadership of LSJS,” he said. 

A product of the Jewish Leadership Council’s Gamechangers leadership training scheme, she is also a graduate of the Chief Rabbi’s inaugural Ma'ayan course for women educators and of LSJS’s own Susi Bradfield educational leadership programme.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, who is president of the college, said  “Jo is one of the one of the outstanding and effective leaders of our community. Her work at the London Beth Din has changed many lives for the better. Through her participation in the Ma’ayan programme, I saw for myself her love of learning and enthusiasm for imparting the wisdom of Torah to others. LSJS is truly blessed.” 

She succeeds Jonathan Miller, who stepped down in July. Until then interim chief executive will be Rabbi Yaacov Finn.