SAPIR Conversations

Why does the stereotype about Jews and money endure? Is Judaism a contractual or covenantal religion? Is Jewish life today too expensive? Should the cost of Jewish education be offset by philanthropic giving or public funding?  Join Bret and Rabbi Wolpe for a wide-ranging SAPIR Conversation on these questions and more, which are featured in the newly released issue of the journal on Money. Dive into the issue at sapirjournal.org/issues/money.Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): ⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/theo-gerard/monsieur-groove

Kathy E. Manning, former U.S. Representative and board chair of the Democratic Majority for Israel, champions the compatibility of Zionism with Democratic values. Yehuda Kurtzer, president of the Shalom Hartman Institute, stresses the necessity of liberal Zionism within the American left, advocating for outreach. In contrast, journalist James Kirchick argues that Zionism is losing ground due to ideological shifts, while Batya Ungar-Sargon highlights the left's hostility towards Jewish nationalism. The conversation delves into contemporary political dynamics and the role of media and academia.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Robert P. George, a prominent Catholic legal scholar from Princeton, tackles the complexities of Jewish chosenness amidst rising antisemitism. He emphasizes that undermining the bond between God and the Jewish people contradicts Christian beliefs. George explores the implications of Pope Benedict's stance against supersessionism and reflects on the unique status of Judaism in Christianity. He also addresses the contemporary campus climate, advocating for open dialogue and free speech while confronting uncomfortable truths.

Rabbi Adam Mintz, founder of Project Ruth, and Rabbi Noa Kushner, a pioneering voice in American Jewish life, engage in a compelling conversation about conversion and the nature of chosenness. They discuss the surge in conversion interest following recent events, the evolving acceptance within families, and the blend of identity perceptions in America. The rabbis dive into the dynamics of welcoming converts, the motivations behind conversion, and the intricate dialogues on community and identity in Judaism. Their insights promise to challenge and inspire anyone curious about Jewish life.

Michael Oren, a historian and former Israeli ambassador, delves into Israel's identity as the 'chosen nation' in a nuanced discussion. He explores the secular roots of Zionism and how the Six-Day War transformed Israel's character. Oren criticizes global antisemitism linked to Israel's scrutiny and debates the impact of far-right politics on its image. He addresses humanitarian strategies in Gaza and the complexities of U.S. relations, emphasizing the importance of dialogue with progressive American Jews while maintaining core commitments.

Today marks a new chapter as we re-launch the podcast, SAPIR Conversations, with even more discussions and double the hosting power. Moving forward, Rabbi David Wolpe - scholar-in-residence at the Maimonides Fund, Max Webb Emeritus Rabbi of Sinai Temple, prolific author, writer, and longtime SAPIR contributor - will join Bret Stephens as co-host of SAPIR Conversations. Bret will continue to host live virtual conversations with SAPIR authors. Rabbi Wolpe will bring on different voices beyond the pages of SAPIR to explore some of the most pressing issues affecting the Jewish people.In today's episode, Stephens and Wolpe tackle the issue of Chosenness. How was the concept perceived throughout Jewish history and how is it interpreted in Jewish liturgy? Is chosenness a status or a calling? Does it create burdens or standards? And how how Bret Stephens respond to non-Jewish friends when asked for his understanding of chosenness?Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/theo-gerard/monsieur-groove

Bret Stephens, Editor-in-Chief of SAPIR and Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist, and Mijal Bitton, Maimonides Fund scholar, engage in a heartfelt discussion following the tragic murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. They delve into the urgent need for open dialogue within the Jewish community and the dangers posed by increasing political violence. The conversation emphasizes transforming campus discourse to promote diverse viewpoints and the importance of humility and curiosity in understanding opposing perspectives, all while reflecting on communal responsibility and civil engagement.

Twelve days of war between Israel and Iran sparked passionate debates about the future of the Islamic Republic. How did Israel’s strikes impact the stability of the regime? What are the implications of the war on Iranian dissidents, opposition figures, and everyday Iranian citizens? And what does the historically fractious Iranian diaspora hope for in the weeks and months ahead?To answer these questions and more, on July 3, SAPIR Institute Director Chanan Weissman moderated a conversation between SAPIR contributors and prominent Iranian-American activists – Roya Hakakian, an acclaimed writer and author, Mehdi Yahyanejad, a tech entrepreneur who founded methods to bypass censorship in Iran.

Join Bret Stephens, an esteemed opinion columnist, and Amit Segal, chief political analyst for Israel's Channel 12 News, as they delve into the blurred lines between objective and activist journalism. They discuss the challenges of maintaining objectivity amidst rising media biases and the impact of technology on news presentation. Amit highlights the unique dynamics of Israeli media, while Bret critiques the growing mistrust in journalism, influenced by homogenous newsrooms. Together, they advocate for critical news consumption and the importance of diverse perspectives in journalism.

It’s been less than a week since the unprecedented U.S. military strikes against the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities in Iran. Codenamed “Operation Midnight Hammer,” the attack was designed to degrade Iran’s nuclear weapons capabilities. However, there are conflicting reports about its success. Were the sites destroyed or severely damaged? What is the impact of the attacks on the Iranian nuclear weapon program? What are the implications for the United States and Israel moving forward?On Friday, June 27, SAPIR Institute Director Chanan Weissman was joined by Eyal Hulata, for a timely conversation about what took place in Iran, and what that means for the region now. Hulata is Israel’s former National Security Advisor and former head of Israel’s National Security Council responsible for coordinating the national effort on Iran. He is currently a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD).