The 2025 ICJS Silber-Obrecht Lecture: What Does it Mean to be Human? Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Perspectives (livestream)

Rabbi Dr. Rachel S. Mikva | Lecturer
Rabbi Dr. Mikva is the Herman E. Schaalman Professor of Jewish Studies and Senior Faculty Fellow, InterReligious Institute at Chicago Theological Seminary. She served as a congregational rabbi for 13 years before returning to academia. Her research explores the interpretation of the Hebrew Bible across different eras and cultures, focusing on exegesis, culture, and ethics. She examines the dialectical tension between truths such as justice versus mercy and freedom versus commitment. Her work emphasizes that religious passion can inspire great good but also be misused. Rabbinic literature’s role is to navigate these tensions and avoid dangerous absolutes. Mikva’s education includes an A.B. from Stanford University, an M.A. from Hebrew Union College, and a Ph.D. from the Jewish Theological Seminary. Her books include Interreligious Studies and Dangerous Religious Ideas.

Dr. Younus Mirza | Respondent
Dr. Mirza is the Founding Director of the Barzinji Institute for Global Virtual Learning at Shenandoah University. He holds a Ph.D. in Arabic and Islamic Studies and has taught at Millsaps and Allegheny College. Co-author of The Bible and the Qur’an: Biblical Figures in the Islamic Tradition, he has published in the Journal of the American Academy of Religion, Journal of Qur’anic Studies, and Islam Christian-Muslim Relations. Recognized for his teaching and virtual exchange projects with global students and faculty, Mirza has been honored by Shenandoah University’s Board of Trustees for his advocacy of global education and international partnerships.