Rabbi Adin Even-Israel Steinsaltz at his Jerusalem home inspecting an English-language translation of the Talmud based on his annotations on June 4, 2018. (Wikimedia Commons/SoInkleined)

 

The world-renowned rabbi and Talmud scholar, Rabbi Adin Even-Israel Steinsaltz, passed away on August 7. An online memorial commemoration featuring reminiscences, film clips, and discussions of Jewish text marking the shloshim is scheduled to stream on Tuesday, September 8 at 8 p.m. EDT at steinsaltz.org/shloshim.

Speakers will include Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu; Senator Joseph Lieberman; Lord Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, former chief rabbi of the United Kingdom; Mayim Bialik, actress, The Big Bang Theory and Blossom; Dara Horn, author, The Eternal Life; and Ruth Calderon, Israeli TV host and former Knesset member.

Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz was one of the most renowned Jewish scholars of our age, known for making the sacred canon accessible to all. Time Magazine called him a “once in a millennium scholar.” His translation and commentary on the Talmud comprises 42 volumes and has been translated into French, Spanish, Hebrew, Russian, and Italian. He authored more than 60 other books on philosophy, theology, mysticism, and even zoology. His work of Kabbalah, The Thirteen Petalled Rose, is considered a classic.

Among others, he was awarded the Israel Prize, his country’s highest honor, the National Jewish Book Award, and the French Legion d’honneur. In its obituary, the New York Times refers to him as “a towering figure.”

Rabbi Steinsaltz established the only Russian yeshiva, known as the Academy of Jewish Studies, during the Communist era. He presided over the Global Day of Jewish Studies, an annual event held in his honor in over 500 communities and 46 countries.

The shloshim ceremony is traditionally held 30 days after someone passes away. It is a time to reflect on past achievements and honor Rabbi Steinsaltz’s vision.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here