Chicago Amplified

There Shall Be No Needy: Pursuing Social Justice Through Jewish Law and Tradition

In the midst of economic collapse, some Jews look to Jewish tradition for guidance. Rabbi Jill Jacobs weaves together Jewish wisdom, personal stories and policy debates to bring clarity to the role Judaism can play.

Recorded on 6.27.2010

The American Jewish Mosaic

Rabbis from diverse Jewish communities, including African American Jews and anusim, explore the multifaceted and shifting parameters of Jewish identity.

Recorded on 6.6.2010

Day After Night

Author Anita Diamant discusses her newest novel, Day After Night, based on the true story of the October 1945 rescue of more than 200 prisoners from the British-run internment camp near the coast north of Haifa.

Recorded on 5.23.2010

The Place of God in Jewish Law

When religions are compared, scholars often distinguish Judaism's centrality of law and de-emphasis of faith. Dr. Barry Wimpfheimer explores law and religion in Judaism.

Recorded on 5.16.2010

The Inextinguishable Symphony: A True Story of Music and Love in Nazi Germany

In commemoration of Yom HaShoah, commentator and author Martin Goldsmith shares the emotional story of courage behind his book, The Inextinguishable Symphony.

Recorded on 4.11.2010

From People to Purpose: The New Ethos of Innovative Jewish Leaders

Sociologist Steven M. Cohen discusses how the next generation of Jewish leaders have shifted the focus of their Jewish identity away from traditional organizations.

Recorded on 3.8.2010

A Fine Romance: Jewish Songwriters, American Songs

David Lehman’s new book A Fine Romance: Jewish Songwriters, American Songs is a warm and witty look at the Jewish writers of the great American songbook.

Recorded on 2.14.2010

The Economic Downturn and the Future of the American Jewish Community

Dr. Sarna examines the economic downturn and its implications for the American Jewish community, especially in the area of Jewish education.

Recorded on 2.8.2010

He Was Like One of Us: American Jewry and the Idealization of Abraham Lincoln

Dr. Gary Zola explores why many of Lincoln’s Jewish contemporaries came to believe he was American Jewry’s true friend and loyal patron.

Recorded on 1.31.2010

36 Arguments for the Existence of God

Author Rebecca Goldstein uses the enchantment of fiction to show the tension between religion and doubt cannot be understood solely through rational argument.

Recorded on 1.21.2010

Louis D. Brandeis - A Life

Author Melvin I. Urofsky discusses his moving portrait of Louis D. Brandeis, one of the towering figures of the 20th century.

Recorded on 12.14.2009

Golems, Theology, and Social Reform: A 400-Year Retrospective on Judah Loew of Prague

Dr. Byron L. Sherwin discusses Rabbi Judah Loew. Did he create the golem and perform miracles, as legends attest? Why is Loew a national hero in the Czech Republic?

Recorded on 12.6.2009

From the Desert to the Sown: Ancient Israel and its Environment

How did Israel’s transition from a semi-nomadic desert people to a more settled lifestyle in arable areas change their understanding of land, both desert and cultivated?

Recorded on 10.25.2009

True Torah or Living Torah?

Is scholarship the sole motive for religious law or are there other considerations? Professor David Weiss Halivni explained the human influences on the divine text.

Recorded on 9.1.2009

Evan Fallenberg on Light Fell

What happens when love, faith, and desire pull in fiercely different directions? That is precisely what happens in Light Fell, the award-winning debut novel by Evan Fallenberg.

Recorded on 7.12.2009