VCU's Center for Judaic Studies and VCU Libraries to host lecture on Jewish-Islamic relations

By Malorie Burkett

Virginia Commonwealth University's Center for Judaic Studies and the VCU Libraries will host the 18th annual Brown-Lyons Lecture, "Isaac and Ishmael: The Nature of Jewish-Islamic Relations Through the Centuries."

Presented by Jack D. Spiro, Ph.D., director of VCU's Center for Judaic Studies, the lecture will cover topics including the historical status of Jews in the Muslim world, the reasons for discord between Muslims and Jews and how Islam and Judaism are closely related religious systems.

Spiro is the Harry Lyons distinguished professor of Judaic culture in VCU's Division of Religious Studies, and also is editor of VCU's international publication, Menorah Review. He has authored, co-authored and edited over 20 books and written more than 40 articles. Spiro is rabbi emeritus of Congregation Beth Ahabah in Richmond and former chairman of the City of Richmond's Human Relations Commission.

Free and open to the public, the lecture will take place on Wednesday, March 19 at 8 p.m. in the School of Engineering Auditorium, 601 W. Main St. A reception will follow. Parking is available in the Main Street Parking Deck, 801 W. Main St.

For more information, or if special accommodations are needed, call Kimberly Separ at 828-1105, or e-mail krsepar@vcu.edu.