American Judaism Workshops

Instructor: William Kristol
Stipend: $750 (NYC area) and $1500 (non-NYC area)

About the Seminar

Most Jews have strong political beliefs—about the role of government, the uses of power, the meaning of social justice, and the proper place of religion in political life. What, if anything, do these positions have to do with Judaism’s teachings, or with what’s best for the Jews? How should American Jews approach electoral politics and the pressing policy questions of today?

Aided by prominent intellectual and political theorist William Kristol, we will explore the contemporary alternatives of liberalism and conservatism and their foundations in ideas of freedom, equality, and rights. Digging deeper, we will analyze Jewish positions on these issues of principle and policy. We will think through just how American Jews should position themselves, and have a chance to formulate for ourselves a Jewish political persuasion that faces the challenges of the times.

American Ideas Papers

The American Judaism Workshops are meant to generate practical ideas to strengthen American Jewry, with participants leading the way. Each workshop participant will be asked to prepare and present his or her own concrete plan to address some of the great challenges and opportunities of American Jewish life. What can be done to secure the moral, intellectual, spiritual, political, religious, or demographic vitality of the Jewish people in America? What is your best idea?