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?

Discussion Guide – Jewish House

What makes a home Jewish?
What books are essential to a Jewish home?
When you travel, what Jewish things do you bring with you from home?

Discussion Guide – Iran

Should the Obama administration engage Iran diplomatically? Are prerequisites required, and if so, what are they?
Is the Western preoccupation with equality an unfair imposition on traditional societies, like Iran?
What role will Israel play vis-à-vis Iran’s growing nuclear capability?

Discussion Guide – Jewish Bodies

Does “a Jewish body” conjure a dangerous genetic way of looking at Jews?
Made in the image of God, btzelem Elkokim — what impact does this have on how we care for our bodies?
How does body image influence Jewish decisions?