Commemorative Lecture for Rabbi Adin Even-Israel Steinsaltz

Speaker: Elon Calstall, President of the Aleph Society

Overview

• Gathering to honor Rabbi Adin Even-Israel Steinsaltz, globally attended.
• Rabbi Steinsaltz's contributions have transformed Jewish life globally through his works.
• Authored approx. 300 volumes on various subjects including philosophy, theology, and mysticism.
• Created new educational institutions and initiatives.
• His translations and commentaries are well-recognized and have impacted many lives.

Impact

• Translated Talmud into 6 languages.
• Authored 'The Thirteen Petaled Rose,' a classic in Kabbalistic literature.
• Commentary on Tanakh, Maimonides' Mishneh Torah, and Tanya.
• Founded yeshivas and schools in Israel and internationally.

Personal Interaction

• Recited Rabbi Steinsaltz’s favorite Psalm (Chapter 139) and shared his commentary.
• Described as a scholar who proactively connected with Jewish communities worldwide.
• Described by dignitaries like Israel’s Prime Minister and Ambassador as a profound teacher and visionary.

Significant Testimonies

• Iran’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: Provided an overview of Rabbi Steinsaltz’s impact on Jewish education and scholarship.
• Ambassador Ron Dermer: Shared personal anecdotes, reflecting on the Rabbi’s wisdom and humanistic approach.
• Contributors to Aleph Society: Key figures like Ludwig Bravmann, George Rohr described its support of Rabbi Steinsaltz’s work since 1988.

Scriptural Reflections

• Dara Horn: Reflected on the paradox of free will and divine destiny using Biblical stories like Joseph and Pharaoh.
• Ruth Calderon: Discussed the Mishnah text on work and diligence, correlating it with inner motivations and Torah study.
• Rabbi Jonathan Sacks: Emphasized the democratization of Talmud study that Rabbi Steinsaltz enabled, comparing it to historic moments in Jewish education.

Personal Contributions and Reflections

• Rabbi Shalom Dov-Ber Lipskar: Discussed Rabbi Steinsaltz’s spiritual presence and his translation work on Tanya.
• Rabbi Meni: Shared details of Rabbi Steinsaltz’s will, emphasizing his lifelong mission to connect Jews with Torah and God. Requested public support to continue his father’s mission.
• Mayim Bialik and Rabbi Mitchell Falk: Gave personal tributes, emphasizing Rabbi Steinsaltz’s dedication and scholarly achievements.

Educational Contributions

• Rabbi Steinsaltz was dedicated to making Jewish texts accessible and understandable to all.
• Ensured his legacy by educating a generation of scholars and establishing multiple educational ventures.

Remarks by Notable Figures

• Senator Joseph Lieberman: Reflected on his personal relationship with Rabbi Steinsaltz and his broad impact on Jewish learning.
• Rabbi Jonathan Sacks: Highlighted Rabbi Steinsaltz’s role in democratizing Talmud study.

Moving Forward

• Rabbi Meni Steinsaltz: Encouraged the community to uphold Rabbi Steinsaltz’s mission by learning new things, adopting new mitzvot, and supporting ongoing projects.
• Future publications: Concise Guide to Judaism, Mishnah commentary, Tanya commentary in English.

Conclusion: The session emphasized the profound legacy of Rabbi Adin Even-Israel Steinsaltz and inspired the audience to continue his work.