Last update - 02:44 26/10/2006
Michael Goodich, 1944-2006 / Leading Middle Ages historian dies
By Uri Dromi
Thus, he wrote about Beatrice of Planisolles, who in 1320 was sentenced to death for adultery. She testified that a man named Raymond enticed her to leave her husband and follow him to join "the good Christians," but in a roadside inn he sneaked into her bed. Her sentence was mitigated but she was forced to wear the Cathar yellow cross as a sign of her repentance. From this perspective and others, Goodich interpreted the Middle Ages, and presented a fascinating, lesser known picture of events in that period. He published eight books and dozens of articles in international journals. A critique of his last book read: "Goodich is one of the greatest medievalists of our generation."
His colleagues in the University of Haifa's department of history speak of the magnitude of their loss. Prof. Miriam Yardeni, who taught a course with him, described his ability to deliver a captivating lecture in Hebrew soon after immigrating to Israel. Prof. Aryeh Grabois stressed his integrity and the extent to which he stood up for his beliefs, even in the face of scathing criticism. Department head Professor Haia Shpayer-Makov cited his contribution to the department and the community (he was head of the department and dean of the faculty of humanities). She adds that he brought the spirit of the greater academic world with him to Haifa. Dr. Amos Megged, as well as Prof. Yvonne Friedman of Bar-Ilan University, said that Goodich's international acclaim persuaded the International Commission on Comparative Ecclesiastical History to hold its quadrennial conference in Haifa. The event was postponed because of his illness. He is survived by his wife, Marian, and his daughter, Claudia.