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Election 2012: A Jewish Perspective |
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The analyst, pundits, pollsters and voters have all had their say. Does Judaism have anything to add?
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Applying the Talmud’s Wisdom to Today’s Political Issues |
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Presidential election campaigns raise issues that concern most citizens. Politicians strive for advantage as they seek election; citizens seek to do the right thing, to use the power of the ballot to express their honest convictions. The choices we make as a nation affect our daily living in so many ways. No matter what our political affiliations may be, it is our social obligation to choose wisely and well. Judaism has always provided guidance on all issues of life, on personal matters as well as those of public and communal concern. In this powerful series we will explore the Talmud’s enduring values and its deep insights, and discover how they can help us navigate today’s political hot-button issues. |
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Weekly, Starting Dec. 2012, 1230-130pm |
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36 S. Charles Street, Charles Center South, 2nd Floor, Baltimore MD, 21201 |
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Recognizing your demanding work schedule, each lesson is designed to stand alone and attendance at all lessons is not necessary to advance your knowledge. |
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Kosher lunch served $15 |
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For more info and to RSVP please call 410-605-0505, email us by clicking here |
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Thank you to Barry Isaac from Gross, Mendelsohn & Associates for hosting this lunch n’ learn. |
Syllabus
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Lesson 1: The One Percent and Redistribution of Wealth Is wealth a mark of sin, a sign that a person has greedily taken too much and necessarily impoverished others? Is poverty a sign of laziness, an outer indication of a poor character? We explore the Jewish view on why there is inequality in wealth, and what should we do about it. |
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Lesson 2: Funding Social Services Modern governments use their authority to tax their constituents and pay for public works and social services. How did Jewish communities understand their roles in furthering the welfare of the people? What is the Torah view on how a society can express compassion while also teaching individual responsibility? |
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Lesson 3: Taxation with Representation How can we most fairly apportion the communal burden? Who should pay, and how much? And who decides where this money should go? |
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Lesson 4: Health Care Who is responsible to pay for health care? Is health insurance a personal obligation or a community responsibility? |
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Lesson 5: Campaign Finance Is a campaign contribution considered bribery? Is it ethical for lobbyists to financially back a candidate? |
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Lesson 6: The Immigration Debate Throughout our history, we Jews have known the need to immigrate. What is the right and just perspective on immigration? |
