Live broadcast of Rabbi Steinsaltz at LYA

Date: 1/19/2009

LONGMEADOW Hundreds of Jewish communities around the world will gather to hear a live broadcast of an address by Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz, one of the greatest Jewish thinkers of all time. Rabbi Steinsaltz is the first of four speakers to address worldwide Jewry, in a series of four webcast lectures taking place in honor of the Jewish "Year of Gathering."

The broadcast of the first worldwide gathering will take place locally, at Lubavitcher Yeshiva Academy (LYA), 1148 Converse St., on Jan. 25 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. A special children's program is being planned to run simultaneously. Refreshments will be served. The lecture and children's program are free and open to the public. There is a suggested $5 donation.

In Biblical times, the entire Jewish nation assembled every seven years in the holy temple courtyard, to hear the Jewish king address the people and exhort them in the study of Torah and service of G-d. "In our generation," explained Rabbi Yakov Wolff, "the Lubavitcher Rebbe has encouraged us to revisit the nearly forgotten tradition of these hakhel gatherings, and organize similar events to inspire and invigorate."

The Rebbe emphasizes that "One of the most fundamental aspects of hakhel [literally, "assemble"] was that it emphasized unity and included everyone: man, woman and child. LYA hopes to reach out and invite all Jews to participate, regardless of religious background or affiliation," commented Rabbi Wolff. "It is a great honor to organize such a monumental event featuring Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz."

Rabbi Adin Even-Yisrael-Steinsaltz is a teacher, philosopher, social critic and prolific author who has been hailed by Time magazine as a "once-in-a-millennium scholar." His lifelong work in Jewish education earned him the Israel Prize, his country's highest honor.

Born in Jerusalem in 1937 to secular parents, Rabbi Steinsaltz studied physics and chemistry at the Hebrew University. Following graduation, he established several experimental schools and, at the age of 24, became Israel's youngest school principal.

In 1965, he began his monumental Hebrew translation and commentary on the Talmud. To date, he has published 38 of the anticipated 46 volumes. The Rabbi's classic work of Kabbalah, the Thirteen Petalled Rose, was first published in 1980 and now appears in eight languages. In all, Rabbi Steinsaltz has authored some 60 books and hundreds of articles on subjects ranging from zoology to theology to social commentary.

Continuing his work as a teacher and spiritual mentor, Rabbi Steinsaltz established a network of schools and educational institutions in Israel and the former Soviet Union. He has served as scholar in residence at the Woodrow Wilson Center for International Studies in Washington, D.C., and the Institute for Advanced Studies at Princeton University. His honorary degrees include doctorates from Yeshiva University, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Bar Ilan University, Brandeis University and Florida International University.

Rabbi Steinsaltz lives in Jerusalem. He and his wife have three children and 10 grandchildren.

True to the theme of hakhel, the Unity Lectures are designed for people with all levels of Jewish knowledge, and participants don't have to have any prior experience or background learning to attend and enjoy this series. All members of the community, regardless of affiliation, are invited to attend.

The Unity Lectures are a project of the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI). JLI is the adult education arm of Chabad-Lubavitch, and offers courses and educational programs at over 300 locations worldwide.

Please visit www.lya.org or www.UnityLecture.com for up-to-date information about the Unity Lectures. JLI courses are presented in Western Massachusetts under the auspices of Chabad of Springfield.