Shlomo Riskin

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Records

Shlomo Riskin's achievements are measured not in trophies but in the institutions and communities he built. He founded Lincoln Square Synagogue, which became a model for Modern Orthodox outreach. He then built Efrat from an empty hill into a city of over 13,000 residents, a historic feat in Israeli settlement. His Ohr Torah Stone network has educated thousands of students across the globe, and his writings have influenced Modern Orthodox thought. The Bonei Zion Prize recognizes his impact, and his 2026 book continues to inspire. His legacy is one of vision, persistence, and a deep love for Torah and the Jewish people.

AwardsShlomo Riskin has received significant recognition within the Jewish community, most notably the Bonei Zion Prize in Education, awarded to English-speaking immigrants who have made outstanding contributions to Israel. He has not won mainstream entertainment awards, as his career is in rabbinics and education.

Honours & Distinctions

Founding Chief Rabbi of Efrat

Efrat Municipality·1983

Historic role in establishing a major Jewish community in Gush Etzion.

Founder and Chancellor of Ohr Torah Stone

Ohr Torah Stone·1983

One of the largest Modern Orthodox educational networks in the world.

Bonei Zion Prize

Bonei Zion

Awarded for outstanding contribution to Israel in education.

PhD from New York University

New York University·1982

Doctorate in Near Eastern Languages and Literature.

Summa Cum Laude from Yeshiva University

Yeshiva University·1960

Highest academic distinction.

Records & Feats

Founded a city from scratch

Career Milestone·1983

Riskin became the founding chief rabbi of Efrat when the settlement had no residents, and helped grow it to over 13,000 people.