Jonathan Samen Hot Buttons, Cool Conversations Discussion Series
What is Hot Buttons, Cool Conversations?
If you enjoy a lively exchange of ideas on today’s hot button topics, Jonathan Samen Hot Buttons, Cool Conversations — the JCC’s acclaimed discussion series — is for you.
We bring together distinguished scholars, thought leaders and expert moderators for thought-provoking dialogue on issues of concern to the Jewish community and beyond. The series is named in honor of Jonathan Samen, z”l (of blessed memory), past chair of the JCC Greater Boston Governing Board, to recognize his legacy of leadership.
All JCC arts and humanities offerings are programs of the Ryna Greenbaum JCC Center for the Arts. As a 501(c)(3), JCC Greater Boston does not endorse or oppose candidates for public office or political parties.
Is Trump Good, Bad, or Just Right for Jews?
Tuesday, April 8 | 7–8:30pm | Riemer-Goldstein Theater, Leventhal-Sidman JCC
Join a dynamic panel of top journalists as they dive into a spirited discussion on the impact of Donald Trump’s policies on the Jewish community. From Israel and antisemitism to core American Jewish values, this thought-provoking conversation will examine the shifting political landscape and how Trump’s presidency has shaped, challenged, or reinforced Jewish interests. Are his policies ultimately beneficial, harmful, or somewhere in between? Expect candid insights, compelling arguments, and a lively exchange of perspectives.
Meet the Panelists
Senior National Correspondent, Jewish Insider
Gabby Deutch
Senior National Correspondent, Jewish Insider
Gabby Deutch is the Senior National Correspondent at Jewish Insider, where she covers politics, foreign policy, and a diverse array of stories across the Jewish world. Gabby previously worked at The Atlantic and at NewsGuard, a company dedicated to fighting online misinformation. Her work has also been published in Politico Magazine, Tablet, and the Washington Post.
Columnist, The Free Press & Host, Breaking History
Eli Lake
Columnist, The Free Press & Host, Breaking History
Eli Lake is a columnist for The Free Press and the host of Breaking History, a new history podcast. Eli is a veteran journalist with expertise in foreign affairs and national security and has reported for Bloomberg, The Daily Beast, and Newsweek.
Politics Reporter, The New York Times
Jonathan Weisman
Politics Reporter, The New York Times
Jonathan Weisman is a journalist and author. He has covered politics, government and economics for more than 30 years, the last 13 at The New York Times. He is currently a national editor based in Chicago, after spending 25 years in Washington, D.C. He is the author of a novel, No. 4 Imperial Lane, and the non-fiction book, (((Semitism))): Being Jewish in America in the Age of Trump.
Moderator
Former Director of Academic Affairs, Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia University
Jane Eisner
Former Director of Academic Affairs, Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia University
Jane Eisner recently completed an appointment as Director of Academic Affairs at the Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia University. For more than a decade, she was The Forward’s editor-in-chief, the first woman to hold the position at America’s foremost national Jewish news organization. Prior to her work at The Forward, Eisner held executive editorial and news positions at The Philadelphia Inquirer for 25 years. She has taught at Wesleyan University and at the University of Pennsylvania.
Past Events
Unlocking the Key to Happiness: It’s Never Too Late!
Dr. Robert Waldinger, author of, “The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness” reveals the answers to the question: What makes for a happy and fulfilling life? His TED Talk about the Harvard Study, “What Makes a Good Life,” has more than 47 million views and is one of the ten most-watched TED talks ever.
October 7 One Year Later: The War’s Far Reaching Impact
It has been nearly a year since the October 7th attacks, the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust. That day, and the ensuing war, sparked a surge in global antisemitism and immense suffering on both sides. Our Hot Buttons, Cool Conversations panel features American, Israeli, and Palestinian experts. They discuss the war’s impact in Israel and its political effects in the U.S. The panel also explores how the war may influence upcoming elections and how election results could affect the conflict in Israel, Gaza, and beyond.
Israel and Gaza: Finding a Way Forward
As we approach six months since the horrendous massacre on October 7, there is no end in sight for the conflict in Gaza. With an incalculable human cost, our Hot Buttons Cool Conversations panel examines if there is another way forward. We look ahead to the time when Israelis, Palestinians and the rest of the world must wrestle with the future Gaza and its relationship with Israel. We examine Israel’s alternative paths and what role the U.S. has to play in managing the crisis.
An Evening with David Brooks
David Brooks is an op-ed columnist for The New York Times and a writer for The Atlantic. He is a regular on the PBS NewsHour. He is also the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Second Mountain and The Road to Character. David discusses his latest book, How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Seen. He offers a practical guide to truly knowing others and fostering deeper connections. This topic is especially relevant given the current state of our country and the world.
Upcoming Events
Is Trump Good, Bad, or Just Right for Jews?
A program of the Jonathan Samens Hot Buttons, Cool Conversations Discussion Series Join a dynamic panel of top journalists…
Support Hot Buttons, Cool Conversations
Help bring hundreds of community members together; distinguished scholars, thought leaders, and expert moderators for thought-provoking dialogue on issues of concern to the Jewish community and beyond.
