One of the most widely respected figures in Jewish education, Lady Winston, has died suddenly at the age of 72.

The wife of Lord Winston, she was assistant director of the Jewish Leadership Council's schools network, PaJeS, and previously the JLC's schools strategy co-ordinator.

PaJeS executive director Rabbi David Meyer told staff on Friday morning that it was "with enormous sadness and profound shock that we share with you the news that our wonderful friend, mentor and colleague Lady Lira Winston passed away last night.  

"It is hard to describe the role she played in our lives driven by her love for Jewish education and determination to ensure the best for us all.  She was a caring and trusted friend and through her wisdom and love for Jewish education she has been the driving force behind PaJeS since its inception." 

It was, he said, "so fitting that she was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award in February 2020, as he has dedicated her life to Jewish education and been a mentor and guide for school leaders over so many years."

JLC chairman Jonathan Goldstein, who was the first chair of PaJeS, said she was "a genuine, kind, and inspirational leader. Her drive and determination to support education across our community was something that impacted so many lives and for which we are very grateful.

"She was always interested in everyone else's well-being and has been a huge source of support and wisdom to me during my tenure at PaJeS and also at the JLC."

She was involved with Jewish Continuity, the vehicle established by Lord Sacks to support Jewish youth and education before it merged with the UJIA, and went on to run the UJIA's Ashdown fellowship, which trained educational leaders.