Lyons Lectures in Judaic Studies

The lectures honor Harry Lyons, DDS (DDS 1923, School of Dentistry), z”l, former dean of the VCU School of Dentistry. Lyons Lectures are open to the public, and aim to broaden public understanding of Jewish history, religion, culture, and philosophy. 

The lecture is supported through an endowment gifted to VCU by Dr. Lyons himself. 

For over thirty years, the Lyons Lectures were offered annually by Rabbi Jack Spiro, z”l, the inaugural holder of the Lyons Chair. 

Since Fall 2024, the Lyons Lectures have been held each semester, bringing renowned scholars and intellectual leaders to VCU and the greater Richmond community. 

Upcoming Lectures

Spring Series: Leading Voices in American Judaism

Thursday, March 6, 2025

Rabbanit Leah Sarna, pioneering teacher and thinker in feminist Orthodoxy, will be the inaugural speaker at our annual spring series “Leading Voices in American Judaism.” She will present "Mikvah: The Power of Vulnerability." 

Fall 2025

J. H. Chajes, Ph.D. will be speaking on kabbalah and Jewish mysticism, framed around his magisterial book "The Kabbalistic Tree." 

Spring 2026

Rabbi Shai Held, Ph.D. will be speaking about his groundbreaking work of Jewish theology Judaism is About Love: Recovering the Heart of Jewish Life.