Rabbi Riskin's Legacy in Orthodox Judaism and Education
In 1983, Rabbi Riskin immigrated from New York to the Israeli settlement of Efrat in the West Bank. This move marked the beginning of a transformative era for the community, as he became the founding Chief Rabbi, a role he held until 2020. His influence extended beyond his immediate congregation, attracting many former members of his New York community to join him in Israel.
To foster a sustainable future for the faith, Riskin established the Ohr Torah Stone Institutions. This expansive network includes high schools, colleges, graduate programs, seminaries, and rabbinical schools, currently serving thousands of students.
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Key Facts
- Founding Role: Served as the founding Chief Rabbi of Efrat from 1983 to 2020.
- Educational Impact: Created the Ohr Torah Stone Institutions, training thousands of students and hundreds of rabbis.
- Gender Equality: Pioneered the ordination of women as poskim (halachic decisors) and the appointment of the first female sole leader of an Orthodox congregation in Israel.
- Legal Advocacy: Successfully challenged laws to allow women to serve as Toanot (advocates in Rabbinical Courts).
- Interfaith Dialogue: Founded the Center for Jewish–Christian Understanding and Cooperation (CJCUC).
- Recognition: Recipient of the 2018 Bonei Zion (Builders of Zion) Prize for outstanding achievements in Education.
Advancing Women's Roles in Orthodox Judaism
Rabbi Riskin has been a pioneer in expanding the rights and participation of women within Orthodox Judaism. He broadened their involvement in public religious practices and advocated for women to hold their own Simhat Torah celebrations.
Educational and Halachic Milestones
A cornerstone of this effort was the co-founding of Midreshet Lindenbaum (originally Michlelet Bruria), a prominent seminary for Orthodox women. This institution paved the way for unprecedented milestones in Jewish law. In 2014, the first book of halachic (Jewish legal) decisions written by women ordained as poskim—Idit Bartov and Anat Novoselsky—was published. These women completed a rigorous five-year ordination course and passed examinations equivalent to those required for men.
Furthering this progress, Riskin supported the 2021 appointment of Rabbanit Shira Marili Mirvis as the spiritual leader of the Shirat HaTamar synagogue in Efrat, making her the first woman to serve as the sole leader of an Orthodox congregation in Israel.
Legal Advocacy and the Rights of Women
In 1991, Riskin took his advocacy to the Israeli High Court, challenging laws that barred women from serving as Toanot, or advocates in the Rabbinical Court. After winning the case, he established the first training program for women advocates. These graduates now represent Agunot—women whose husbands refuse to grant them a religious divorce—helping them secure a Get (bill of religious divorce). To prevent such situations, Riskin also promotes the use of prenuptial agreements.
Inclusive Education and Global Outreach
Beyond gender equality, Riskin's vision for education included those often overlooked. He established the first programs in Israel specifically for young men and women from the Diaspora with severe learning and developmental difficulties, combining Torah study with vocational training.
Interfaith Cooperation and Diplomacy
Rabbi Riskin has consistently acted as a spokesperson for Israel and the Jewish people, opposing anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism. He has also sought to foster religious tolerance by promoting positive relations with leaders of Palestinian villages surrounding Efrat.
In 2008, he founded the Center for Jewish–Christian Understanding and Cooperation (CJCUC). This was the first Orthodox Jewish institution to engage with the Christian world on a theological basis. Based in Jerusalem, the center provides Hebraic Bible Study for Christians and organizes initiatives like the "Day to Praise." It also manages fundraising efforts, such as "Blessing Bethlehem," to support persecuted Christian communities in Bethlehem and across the Middle East. Since Riskin's retirement as president of Ohr Torah Stone in 2018, David Nekrutman has overseen the CJCUC's activities.
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Summary of Contributions
| Area of Focus | Initiative/Achievement | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| General Education | Ohr Torah Stone Institutions | Thousands of students across various academic levels. |
| Women's Leadership | Midreshet Lindenbaum | Ordination of women as poskim and congregational leaders. |
| Legal Rights | Toanot Training Program | Legal representation for Agunot in Rabbinical Courts. |
| Interfaith Relations | CJCUC | Theological dialogue and aid for persecuted Christians. |
| Special Education | Diaspora Vocational Programs | Torah study and job training for those with developmental difficulties. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Toanot program?
The program trains women to serve as advocates in Rabbinical Courts, specifically helping Agunot (women denied a religious divorce) secure a Get, thereby protecting their legal and religious rights.
Who was the first woman to lead an Orthodox congregation in Israel?
Rabbanit Shira Marili Mirvis became the first woman to serve as the sole spiritual leader of an Orthodox congregation at the Shirat HaTamar synagogue in Efrat in 2021.
What is the purpose of the CJCUC?
The Center for Jewish–Christian Understanding and Cooperation (CJCUC) is the first Orthodox institution to engage in religious and theological dialogue with Christians, offering Bible study and supporting persecuted Christian communities.
What are poskim in the context of Rabbi Riskin's work?
Poskim are authorities who make halachic (Jewish legal) decisions. Rabbi Riskin broke tradition by ordaining women to serve in this capacity after they completed advanced studies and examinations.
What award did Rabbi Riskin receive in 2018?
He was awarded the Bonei Zion (Builders of Zion) Prize in recognition of his outstanding achievements in the field of education.