On Shabbat, July 8, the Adult Education Committee of Cong. Rinat Yisrael is pleased to present a distinguished scholar-in-residence: Rabbi Dr. Binyamin Lau, an author, activist, teacher and rabbi of Ramban Synagogue in Jerusalem.

Rabbi Dr. Binyamin (Benny) Lau is an internationally known leader and activist who heads the Modern Orthodox Ramban Synagogue in Jerusalem and serves as chair of the Human Rights and Judaism in Action project of the Israel Democracy Institute. A charismatic rabbi, social entrepreneur and media figure, he speaks out clearly on current issues, focusing on the humanistic values of Judaism and insisting that tradition face the challenges of contemporary society. Rabbi Dr. Lau’s doctorate dissertation analyzes the halachic theories of R. Ovadia Yosef, z”l, one of this generation’s most outstanding rabbinic scholars. A noted author, he has published scores of books and research articles on the Jewish heritage. Under his leadership, the Ramban Synagogue has become a hub of religious, cultural and benevolent activity serving the entire Jerusalem community and beyond.

Rabbi Dr. Lau will give a pre-Mincha shiur Shabbat afternoon at 6:55 p.m. in English on the topic of “Turning the Tanach into a National Conversation: How the 929 Project Has Turned Many Thousands of Israelis Toward Torah.” He will give another shiur on Shabbat after Mincha in Hebrew on the topic of “Protest or Silence in the Face of Transgressors: An Analysis of a Talmudic Tale.”

Congregation Rinat Yisrael is located at 389 West Englewood Avenue in Teaneck.