Shai Held

Dr. Rabbi Shai Held serves as President, Dean, and Chair in Jewish Thought at the Hadar Institute, holding a Ph.D in Religion from Harvard University and Rabbinic Ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary.

His research focuses on Jewish Thought and Torah Interpretation, with particular expertise in biblical narrative analysis and modern Jewish philosophy. Held examines theological concepts through classical and contemporary lenses, emphasizing ethical dimensions of scriptural texts.

Held's scholarly output demonstrates consistent engagement with Biblical Studies and Jewish Ethics, notably through his analysis of marginalized figures like Hagar. His work bridges traditional exegesis with modern critical approaches to Torah.

• Covenant Award for excellence in Jewish education (2011)

Held leads academic initiatives at Hadar Institute while maintaining active scholarly output. His educational philosophy emphasizes preparing students for complex modern scholarship through nuanced early Torah education.