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 2026
The Lyons Lecture in Judaic Studies presents "The God of Judaism is a God of Love"
Date: Thursday, Feb 19, 2026
Spring 2027
Thursday, March 4, 2027
Ruth Franklin, author of "The Many Lives of Anne Frank" (Yale University Press, 2025). Co-sponsored with the Powell-Edward Chair in Religion & Art.
Brian Britt, PhD will be speaking about Marc Chagall and Jewish Art Collecting in Weimar Germany. Hosted at the VMHC. Date TBA.
Visit the archives to view Lyons lecture speakers and topics from the past.