​Novelist Michael David Lukas claimed in a New York Times opinion piece, The Hypocrisy of Chanukah that the Maccabees would have hated him because he is an assimilated Jews. Is Lukas correct? Can we maintain our Jewish identity while benefiting from the larger culture or must we choose one or the other? 

​​Though Israeli’s enemies have failed to destroy the Jewish state on the battle field they have not given up. They now use political methods in an attempt to reach their goal. We must not stand by silently as Israel remains under siege. 

​The word nationalism has been in the news lately. How does the Jewish view of nationalism help us respond to the worst anti-Semitic attack in American history?

​It’s been said that the world’s oldest disease is anti-Semitism. But there is something new about this old disease. In fact, this disease had already mutated three times, and we are now suffering through its fourth mutation. How should we respond? 

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​Seeing people in a nuanced manner helps us to simultaneously protect ourselves from being hurt while finding redeeming qualities in those we had previously written off. Yet, our brains are programmed to make sweeping snap judgments about people. How can we fight this tendency and view people in their totality?  

​​Natalie Portman, the Israeli-born American Oscar-award-winning actress, announced that she will not appear in Israel  to accept the Genesis Prize. How should we respond to her proactive actions?  

​In reaction to the Israeli government’s announcement that it is suspending plans to create a mixed prayer area at the Western Wall diaspora Jews have announced that they need to rethink their relationship with the Jewish State. Is this the correct reaction?

​Delaware changed its law to provide for the needs of parents of stillborn children. Can Jewish law learn from Delaware’s example?

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​The Star Wars story and the story of the Exodus are similar and incredibly popular. Why? 

​A record number of Americans are unhappy with the candidates and the harsh tenor of the campaign. Judaism provides us with a model which can foster civil and productive disagreement.