Local community groups have organized several events featuring renowned educator, speaker and author Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Riskin. Riskin’s contributions to Israel and to world Jewry have made him one of the leading voices of today’s Modern Orthodox Jewish world.

Riskin founded and serves as Chancellor of Ohr Torah Stone, a network of educational institutions based upon the synthesis of Jewish values with contemporary living. Since its founding, Ohr Torah Stone has generated Jewish societal change, charting new educational, legal and social paths in the realms of women’s rights within Judaism, bridging gaps between observant and secular Jews, and promoting dialogue between Jews and members of the world’s other major religions.

Before moving to Israel in 1983, Rabbi Riskin was Associate Professor at Yeshiva University, and the founding rabbi of the renowned Lincoln Square Synagogue in New York.

The Jewish Community Center will hold two events with Riskin on Friday, May 27. From 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Riskin will lead a Parsha class on the weekly Torah portion. From noon to 1 p.m., he will discuss “The Religious Secular Divide in Israel:  How serious are the ramifications and what can we do about it?” Participants may bring a brown bag lunch; drinks will be provided. Both Classes will be held at the JCC Arts and Education Building, 2 Millstone Campus Drive in Creve Coeur. RSVP encouraged to Sara Winkelman at the JCC 314-442-3268 or [email protected]. The discussions are co-sponsored by the Anti-Defamation League, Central Agency for Jewish Education, the JCC, and the Jewish Community Relations Council.

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Riskin will also be the scholar in residence at Young Israel Congregation on Shabbat and will speak during the morning and afternoon. For more information the programs at YI, contact Ruthi Asher at 314-727-6317 or Rose Ann Ariel at 314-721-1636.

On Saturday evening, Riskin will speak during a Melave Malka at the Koshner home, 7941 Gannon. The topic is “Is Israel Still Jewish? What Can We Do About the Greatest Menace Facing Israel?” The talk is co-sponsored by Young Israel, Torah Mitzion Kollel and Bais Abraham.

Riskin will also speak at Young Israel Synagogue at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 29. His topic will be “Modern Orthodoxy and Religious Zionism: Challenges and Opportunities.” The keynote address and panel discussion is free and open to the community.