Rabbi Daniel L. Lehmann, under whose stewardship Hebrew College has set the standard for Jewish learning and leadership for a pluralistic world, will step down from his position as president during the next academic year.

As president for nearly a decade, Rabbi Lehmann has led Hebrew College to become a national center of pluralistic Jewish education, focusing on the intersection of rigorous intellectual exploration, spiritual creativity, and communal transformation.

“After nine extraordinary and deeply fulfilling years at Hebrew College, I have decided it is the right time, both personally and institutionally, for a change. It has been a distinct privilege and blessing to lead this venerable institution and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a vibrant and committed community of learning,” Rabbi Lehmann stated in an announcement to the Hebrew College community. “Teaching current and future Jewish educators, rabbis and cantors, as well as teens and adults, has been a great source of joy to me.”

Lehmann enhanced Hebrew College’s financial stability, strengthened its relationships with funders, community leaders, and partner organizations, and forged new partnerships with other Boston-area institutions of higher learning, including Northeastern University, Lesley University, and most recently, the Boston University School of Theology. Through his efforts, Hebrew College became the first non-Christian member of the Boston Theological Institute, a consortium of nine graduate schools of theology.

A search committee is already underway to identify the college’s next president, and will focus on leadership, vision and long-term sustainability in its selection process, engaging key stakeholders including board members, funders and partners, local and national advisors, and current faculty, students and alumni.