By COLlive reporter
Photos by Mark Neiman
Israeli President Shimon Peres honored the acclaimed Talmud commentator Rabbi Adin Even-Israel Steinsaltz with the Presidential Award of Distinction at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem.
Rabbi Even-Israel, who will soon turn 75, recently completed his 45 year-long translation and commentary on Talmud Bavli, and was lauded “for his unique and extraordinary contribution to Jewish culture and education.”
According to the president’s website, the awards “express his appreciation and esteem to deserving individuals and organizations who have contributed their talents and efforts for the well-being of the State of Israel and to Tikkun Olam.”
At the ceremony on Monday, Peres said “I am very proud of Rabbi Steinsaltz’s tremendous project – so much so that I heard they are establishing Talmud study groups in China.”
Peres thought that the time was ripe for Israel to emulate other countries that honor individuals and organizations for unique and exceptional service to society and the world at large.
The other honorees were former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, human rights activist Judy Feld-Carr, Variety Israel President Attorney Uri Slonim, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra director Zubin Mehta and the Rashi Foundation.
The President said the six honorees collectively represented heroism, wisdom and justice, which are all integral to Jewish history.
Peres will be opening Wednesday the 4th Israeli Presidential Conference, “Facing Tomorrow” with a long list of political and business leaders, academics and Jewish officials.
Rabbi Even-Israel also has a busy week ahead as he will be traveling to Washington, DC to speak at the Living Legacy conference, which unites Chabad Shluchim and supporters with U.S. government officials and diplomats.
BS’’D
Hes amazing, truly. A great Tzaddik, a TZADDIK GOMUR!
Boruch Hashem.
So well deserved! Long time coming! The Jewish world is privileged to have you!!!
I remember sitting with him in our Board room many years ago as we waited for the shiur attendees to arrive.
“I am searching for my brothers” he said.
And so was I.
This is a rare scholar and we have been privileged to know him in our lifetime.
Mazel tov Rabbi Steinsaltz from “adelo yada”.
Quite a legend in his time. Unbelievable. It’s just too bad Peres did not accomplish with an even more pressing case called JONATHAN POLLARD.