Last month I placed a short announcement in the Voice that received only a couple of responses. I had just learned about Sapir: Ideas for a Thriving Jewish Future. It is a journal exploring the future of the American Jewish community and its intersection with cultural, social, and political issues. It is published quarterly by Maimonides Fund with Bret Stephens serving as Editor-in-Chief. Each issue contains essays on a single theme. To explore articles from the current issue or past issues or to sign up for a free print subscription, go to sapirjournal.org. Sapir provides discussion resources for what they call a Sapir salon, an informal gathering of folks interested in reading and discussion the articles. If you would like to host a Sapir salon, contact me. 

My copy of Sapir arrived in the mail today. The 165 pages of the Autumn, 2025, issue of this free publication focus is money. Publisher Mark Charendoff opens with a brief reflection in which he quotes a delightful passage of Talmud, “A person is recognized by three things — b’kiso, b’koso, uv’ka’aso – by his pocket, by his cup, and by his anger” (Eruvin 65b). Our character is defined by the way we behave when money is involved, when we are drinking, and when we are angry. There is so much to unpack in that brief alliterative teaching!

Editor-in-Chief Bret Stephens suggests that the role of Judaism is not to represent either a socialist or a capitalist economic system – Jewish sources could argue for either – but rather to provide a critique or a corrective to either system. An economy works best when society operated under conditions of social trust and collective responsibility. Religion in general, and Judaism in particular, is well-positioned to create the conditions for its adherents to thrive.

Ilana Horwitz suggests that deep connections with the Jewish community are critical to receiving support during times of crisis. Those who identify but do not affiliate do not have access to the kind of resources that those who actively participate in synagogue life enjoy.

Daniel Z. Feldman explains the Jewish concept that minted currency establishes the legitimacy of the State and they hold value because of people’s trust in the government, and wonders how crypto-currency, created because of distrust in the State, fits into this paradigm.

Avital Chizhik-Goldschmidt asks her readers to remember their best selves, what she calls their “Jerusalem selves,” to counteract the golden calves which permeate the uber-wealthly of the upper east side of New York City, where she lives and works.

Cindy Greenberg acknowledges the holiness of philanthropy, but argues that recommitting ourselves to giving time is the best way to enhance Jewish learning, strengthen Jewish connections and relations with non-Jews, and reinforce Jewish peoplehood through connections to Israel.

And that’s just part one! Each of the 16 brief essays, most of which are fewer than 10 pages, invite the reader into a conversation of Jewish values and Jewish behavior. It is thoughtful, accessible, and beautifully written. I urge you to go to sapirjournal.org and sign up for the print publication or read it online.

Hebrew Word of the Month:

• Sapir – A saphire; in the book of Exodus, the paving stones under the feet of God.