Point / Counter Point

On this page, Rabbi Cohen sounds off on a monthly basis on interesting developments that impact the Jewish community. Rabbi Cohen will present both sides of an issue to stimulate thought and conversation. People are invited to submit suggestions for the Rabbi to address in future Point / Counterpoint discussions. This page will also feature a book recommendation to stimulate thought and introspection. Please feel free to email topics / books of interest to Rabbi Cohen at cohen.dovid@gmail.com .

"A Debate on Jewish Values"

On October 18^th-NYU-The Bronfman Center-sponsored this event.  The panel consisted of Michael Steinhardt, Noah Feldman and Rabbi Shmuley Boteach.

Point: 

“Jewish Values” are a broad category of concepts that inculcate & impact upon a wide cadre of the Jewish communal spectrum.  These speakers represent major facilitators of discussing Jewish values and ideas.  Steinhardt funds “birthright”-introducing Jews to the land of Israel for the very first time.  Feldman & Boteach have opened up discussion & challenged many of our pre-conceptions and misconceptions about Judaism.  Values are independent from observance & the larger Jewish community of all denominations is well-served by a representative panel such as this one.  Judaism should not be solely defined by the observance of Torah & Mitzvos.

Counter Point: 

A discussion of “Jewish Values” must include more than just one individual who is a Sabbath observer.   Is it a value of Judaism to be an atheist or to embarrass the modern orthodox community in public?  The ultimate in Jewish Values is the perpetuation of our rich tradition that needs to be transmitted to the next generation.  G-d and his Torah must be a significant part of that discussion.  The debate attracted large crowds-but in reality was a distortion of “Jewish Values.”  A more appropriate title would have been-“A Debate on Wealth, Having your cake & eating it too & Sex in Jewish Life.”

This month's book selection: "The Speed of Trust-The One Thing That Changes Everything" by Stephen MR Covey & Rebecca Merrill

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