Center for the Study of Global Religions and Spiritualities

College of Humanities and Sciences

Events

two men talking - b&w photo

SHTTL Film Screening

Date: Wednesday, Jan 14, 2026

In one unflinching shot, "SHTTL" presents a day in the life of a Jewish village before it disappears. This movie screening is part of Richmond Yiddish Week - a new festival inviting Richmonders of all backgrounds to explore Yiddishkayt (Yiddish culture) through cultural offerings around the city.

O Hebr 33,3 ed. Great Parchment

Lunch and Learn: Enigmas of The Great Parchment and the Origins of the Ilanot Genre

Date: Monday, Feb 16, 2026

Join us for lunch to learn about the enigmatic texts known as Iggeret sippurim (Epistle of Stories) that appeared on a long-lost medieval kabbalistic iconotext called "The Great Parchment" featuring J.H. (Yossi) Chajes.

Yossi Chajes

The Kabbalistic Tree: Visual Interface of Jewish Mysticism

Date: Monday, Feb 16, 2026

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

Rav Shai

The Lyons Lecture in Judaic Studies presents "The God of Judaism is a God of Love"

Date: Thursday, Feb 19, 2026

Join us on Thursday, Feb 19 for the Lyons Lecture in Judaic Studies. We'll hear from Rabbi Shai Held, president and dean at the Hadar Institute. Held has been named multiple times by Newsweek as one of the fifty most influential rabbis in America.

Annual Lecture Series

The Center for the Study of Global Religions and Spiritualities extends the opportunity to learn about different faiths and cultures through public, free lecture series made possible through the generosity of donors. Visit the links below for more information.

Blake Lecture in the History of Christianity

The lecture honors William E. and Miriam S. Blake and is presented annually by a renowned scholar. The series' objective is to broaden the audience's understanding of Christianity by making it relatable.

Lyons Lectures in Judaic Studies

The lectures honor Harry Lyons, DDS, 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. 

Powell-Edwards Lecture Series for Religion and the Arts

The lecture, established through generous gifts within the Religious Studies Program at VCU in 2008, aims to foster serious inquiry into the relation of the world's diverse religions and spiritualities to the arts.

Bishop Walter F. Sullivan Lecture Series in Catholic Studies

The lecture, established as a retirement gift in 2003 for the Most Rev. Walter F. Sullivan, brings diverse speakers including academics, artists and clergy to speak on a range of issues related to Catholicism.