And they saw the God of Israel: Under His feet there was the likeness of a pavement of sapphire, like the very sky for purity.
—Exodus 24:10
Upcoming events
They Might Not Be Giants with Eric P. Kaufmann
On Monday, October 5, at 12:00 PM ET, join political scientist Eric P. Kaufmann in conversation with Bret Stephens as they unpack the surprising takeaways from Kaufmann’s recent SAPIR essay analyzing the impact of far-Right online personalities on Americans’ beliefs about Jews and Israel, before considering whether the Jewish community needs to refocus on more pressing battles.
The SAPIR Debates: Is Free Speech Endangering Jews?
Is free speech endangering American Jews?
No stranger to prejudice or persecution, American Jews have historically been among the most vocal proponents – and beneficiaries – of free speech protections afforded by the First Amendment. And yet, in the three years since October 7th, we have witnessed a dramatic uptick in antisemitic and anti-Israel rhetoric in demonstrations, on college campuses, from political officials and candidates, on social media, and on popular podcasts reaching millions of listeners. While freedom of speech is a sacred American right, the boundaries of free expression are being tested – and, some might argue, stretched to the point of harm. Does an absolutist commitment to free speech leave American Jews more vulnerable or is it the community’s strongest safeguard?
Arguing Yes | Claire Finkelstein, Algernon Biddle Professor of Law and professor of philosophy at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School
YES: Absolutist commitment to free speech leaves American Jews more vulnerable.
Arguing No | Nadine Strossen, John Marshall Harlan II Professor of Law Emerita at New York Law School and past president of the American Civil Liberties Union
NO: Absolutist commitment to free speech leaves Jews only as vulnerable as other communities.
This debate will be moderated by Eric D. Fingerhut, president and CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America.
How AI Is Being Weaponized Against Jews with Ashley Rindsberg
On Monday, October 19, at 12:00 PM ET, join technology journalist Ashley Rindsberg in conversation with Bret Stephens as they discuss Rindsberg’s recent SAPIR essay on the interlocking challenges the Jewish community faces across the online landscape and how to turn the tide in the narrative war.
"Judaism as a Civilization" with Jenna Weissman Joselit
On Tuesday, October 27, at 12:00 PM ET, join historian and Jewish studies scholar Jenna Weissman Joselit alongside Bret Stephens for a conversation about Weissman Joselit’s recent Jewish Masterpiece feature that traces the sweeping legacy of Mordecai M. Kaplan’s matchless 1934 book, “Judaism as a Civilization.”