Discussion Guide – Rethinking Jewish Weddings

1. Why do Jewish couples continue to perpetuate a wedding ritual of acquisition that is out of alignment with their Jewish and philosophical thinking?
2. What features of a Jewish wedding ceremony might be adapted to more closely reflect contemporary liberal practices?
3. If the Orthodox rabbinate in Israel were to relinquish control over personal status issues, what would be the implications for marriage and divorce?

Discussion Guide – A Wider Diaspora

1. To what extent are American Jews — like Americans in general — disengaging from foreign affairs, from anything beyond their borders, from anything conducted in another language, and how does this phenomenon impact the relationship of American Jews with Israel?
2. How have globalization and the porousness of borders changed Jewish life around the world?
3. What role do disappointment, frustration, and a sense of exclusion play in innovation? And how can such sentiments be channeled creatively to build more entrepreneurial and engaging community options?

Discussion Guide – American Jewish Loyalties

Why is it so difficult to talk about Israel? And how can we promote more civil and engaged discussion?
At a moment when the Jewish community is pushing the concept of peoplehood — which aims to pitch a broad, wide tent for Jews — are we also creating certain barriers for [...]

Discussion Guide – Stories & the Jewish Narrative

For you, what is the greatest Jewish story?
What role has the Exodus story played in our development as a people?
Why does telling a story help the process of healing?
How might you tell the Pesach story differently this year?

Discussion Guide – Do-it Yourself Judaism

What is the relationship between the draw of DIY and a contemporary yearning for community?
How might organizations — like JCCs, synagogues, schools — build on DIY innovation and passion?
What core values inform the DIY movement?

Discussion Guide – Tzimtzum

What role might tzimtzum play in your synagogue infrastructure?
What is the relationship of tzimtzum to the creation of the world and the existence of evil?
In a “contracted” state, what are the core values and essential mandates of the Jewish federation system?

Discussion Guide – Religious and Secular Law

What are the ramifications of Jewish insularity in the U.S.?
Are there times when Jews in America should follow halakhah rather than secular law? What are they?
What role does the memory of trauma serve in your life and community?

Discussion Guide – Gun Control

Why has the “loophole” in current gun laws remained on the books?

How might you bring a talmudic explication to the Second Amendement, the right to bear arms?
Do you know anyone who owns a gun? How do you feel when you’re in that person’s house? Would you let them bring the gun into your house?

Discussion Guide – Mystery & Awe

Is it necessary to resolve the unknown?
What do the early chapters of the Book of Genesis teach us about mystery?
What is the relationship between awe and mystery?

Discussion Guide – Vulnerability & Embodied Practice

What helps you pray?
Does “fasting” help focus your attention on Yom Kippur? How?
In what ways does a sense of vulnerability coalesce a community?