Articles

Israel’s election will define the future of the Jewish state, just as America’s political contest will shape this nation for the next several years. Two elections, one people will determine the political character and content of each of these societies.

The role and public profile of the American rabbinate are undergoing a fundamental transformation. In previous generations, prominent rabbis were often known as commanding orators, influential institutional leaders, and respected public voices. Many occupied positions of considerable stature both within the Jewish community and in American civic life. More recent generations of rabbis would be seen as institution builders, community organizers and influencers, and educators.

The Jewish New Year arrives at a moment of paradox for American Jews. One finds our community deeply divided politically but feeling uniformly under attack. Eight challenges stand out. None can be met by nostalgia for a consensus that no longer exists.

The remake: Bringing the federation model into the 21st century

The Scenario:

The National Religious Right Wins in Israel and America Experiences a Dual Electoral Outcome, Where MAGA Republicans and Progressive Democrats Win

Its Impact:

These dual scenarios would fundamentally disrupt and transform American Jewish life, ending the political and communal order that has sustained this community for several generations, namely strong identification with American liberal democracy, a broadly bipartisan relationship with Israel, and confidence that Jews have allies in both major parties.

iberal Jews do not need to choose between political homelessness and unconditional defense of Israel. But the old arrangement—reliably Democratic at home, broadly supportive of Israel abroad, and accepted across the center-left—is plainly breaking down.

This essay is the second in a series of articles unpacking my core ideas. The first framed my thoughts on community, power and technology. This paper addresses my thinking about Jewish political practice and behavior.

Few figures did more to reintroduce a sense of religious depth into Reform Judaism than Rabbi Richard Levy, ז״ל . During his tenure as president of the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR), the Statement of Principles for Reform Judaism was released.

This essay is the first in a series analyzing my writings and summarizing my ideas. The organizing challenge for me, how to efficiently summarize my ideas in a coherent framework?

To better understand the American political left and the rise of the progressives, four interlocking themes are in play:

The rise of the progressive left has been underway for decades. Its ideological roots and organizing principles are linked to an array of academic resources, progressive think tanks, and key ideological and political elites.