Can a Robot Be Jewish? and Other Pressing Questions of Modern Life

When a new issue of Moment Magazine arrives every other month, its readers turn to its popular, long-running "Ask The Rabbis" feature. Every issue, rabbis of different denominations consider some of the most difficult and provocative questions of the present day. The rabbis' responses span the range of modern Jewish thought and include Independent, Humanist, Jewish Renewal, Reconstructionist, Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, Sephardic, Chabad perspectives. As the old joke goes, ask two...
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When a new issue of Moment Magazine arrives every other month, its readers turn to its popular, long-running "Ask The Rabbis" feature. Every issue, rabbis of different denominations consider some of the most difficult and provocative questions of the present day. The rabbis' responses span the range of modern Jewish thought and include Independent, Humanist, Jewish Renewal, Reconstructionist, Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, Sephardic, Chabad perspectives. As the old joke goes, ask two Jews a question, and you'll get three opinions. With ten or more rabbis debating, you get an intelligent discussion of topics both timely and timeless; deep interrogation of Jewish text, law and commentary; and an unparalleled look at the breadth and creativity and the continued relevance of the Jewish tradition. The debate is registered in short takes, and the rabbis' voices are lively and accessible. You don't need to be a scholar to follow the arguments. These questions and their responses open a portal to the vast riches of Jewish wisdom--intellectual, spiritual, literary, folkloric. The rabbis' repartee illuminates the diversity within Jewish thinking over time and today, creating cross-denominational discussion that leads to a deeper understanding. Readers will meet these rabbis and see their personalities unfold as they address different aspects of life. Readers will hear their responses to some of our favorite questions, including: Does Jewish anxiety have a theological basis? In what ways, if any, do science and Judaism conflict? Is whistleblowing a Jewish obligation? Are there things that cannot be forgiven? Is Judaism good for women? Is there a Jewish way to parent? Should Jews strive to be happy? What sins should we atone for in or use of social media? Is it kosher to tell a white lie? Should we edit our children's genes? Can a robot be Jewish? Is democracy Jewish? Does Jewish law forbid racism? Do Jews believe in an afterlife? Are Jews still expecting a Messiah? Should Jews be for or against the right to bear arms? In these Solomon-like deliberations, the rabbis answer these and many more contemporary questions about modernity's most pressing questions.