Scholar in Residence

Each winter, Adath Israel brings a renowned Judaic scholar to our community for a weekend of learning. On Friday night, we hold a spirited Kabbalat Shabbat service followed by a community Shabbat dinner and lecture by our Scholar. On Shabbat morning, the Scholar delivers the D'var Torah and, following services, we enjoy a special Kiddush luncheon. Finally, on Sunday morning, our Men's Club and Adult Education committee sponsor a brunch with our Scholar as the featured speaker.

Browse the links below to learn about some of our past Scholars.

The Scholar in Residence program is co-sponsored by the Suburban Jewish Community Center - Bnai Aaron Life-Long Learning/Tikkun Olam Fund and the Adult Education Committee at Adath Israel.

2025 - Beyond Charity, Doing Chesed and Creating the World -  Rabbi Aviva Richman

2024 - The Journey of Yonatan Katz Lukato and Esau Wanani

2023 - Rabbi Burton L. Visotzky, PhD, Appleman Professor of Midrash and Interreligious Studies Emeritus at the Jewish Theological Seminary

2022 - Rabba Yaffa Epstein, Director of the Wexner Heritage Program at The Wexner Foundation

2020 - Dr. Andrea Leiber, Associate Professor of Religion at Dickinson College & Sophia Ava Asbell Chair of Judaic Studies, and Dr. Ted Merwin, Founding Director of the Miton B. Asbell Center for Jewish Life and Author

2019 - Dr. Arnold Eisen, American Judaic Scholar & Chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York

2018 - Dr. Ruth Calderon, Scholar-Politician-Author from the Hartman Institute & Former Member of Knesset

2017 - Rabbi David Golinkin, from the Schechter Institute in Israel

2016 - Rabbi Daniel Gordis, Senior Vice President and Koret Distinguished Fellow at Shalem College in Jerusalem

2015 - Dr. Alan Cooper, Elaine Ravich Professor of Jewish Studies & Former Provost of the Jewish Theological Seminary