YOUNGSTOWN - The latest speaker to be featured recently at the Dr. Sidney M. Berkowitz Memorial Lectures series has been ranked by Newsweek Magazine as ''No. 1 Most Influential Rabbi in America.''

Rabbi David Saperstein, director of Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism in Washington, D.C., spoke at Congregation Rodef Sholom, sharing his views on Jewish social justice and human rights. Saperstein has been recognized for his national and international and social and political work.

"I am truly honored to be included among this "who's who of community leaders'' he said of being part of the lecture series.

Saperstein, who represents the National Jewish Movement, is regarded as an expert on social justice issues and is a political advocate on Capitol Hill.

During his speech he addressed global warming, the health care crisis and the genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan.

Saperstein has appeared on many television news and talk shows and has had his articles appear in many newspapers and publications.

Muller said the lecture series has honored many people over the years.

"Having the grand opportunity to host this seminal scholar in our corner of the Jewish world is a real coup for us here in Youngstown. Rabbi Saperstein ranks as one of the finest and most moving speakers in American Jewish life today," Muller said.