JRB Mourns the Passing of Dr. Michael Halzel

On behalf of the JRB Board of Trustees, staff and plan participants, Board Chair Rabbi Joel H. Meyers memorialized Dr. Michael Halzel’s long-term service to the Joint Retirement Board for Conservative Judaism. Dr. Halzel served on the JRB Board for many years as the representative of the Jewish Educators Assembly.

Rabbi Meyers remembered Dr. Halzel for “his intelligent and thoughtful contributions to the Joint Retirement Board over many years.” Dr. Halzel tirelessly championed offering retirement benefits to teachers and administrators of religious schools, Hebrew day schools and other essential workers within the Movement. He served on the JRB Communications Committee and Insurance Committee.

Dr. Halzel served as Headmaster of religious schools and Hebrew day schools for over 40 years, including 10 years at the Solomon Schechter School of Queens, NY.

Dr. Halzel held many leadership roles with the Jewish Educators Assembly leading to his assuming the role of National President in 1993. He most recently chaired the 2007 and 2010 JEA/JTS doctoral convocations.  He also served as Chair of the Joint Educator Placement Commission. In 2010 he was honored with the JEA/Behrman House Lifetime Achievement Award in Jewish Education.

May Dr. Halzel's memory be for a blessing.