Press and Media

We often like to think ourselves as an argumentative people and believe that is a good thing. After all, the Talmud is a record of debate that paves the way to truth. But in a world that feels increasingly polarised, the clash of views can seem more fractious, no more so than when we are talking about Israel. If we are losing the art of healthy argument, a new book co- authored by Israel-based educator Robbie Gringras hopes to show us a way to recover it.

The authors of Stories for the Sake of Argument hope to create citizens more skilled in earnest disagreement and reduce incidents where one tries to shout at the other into silence. In effect, they are continuing the Talmudic tradition of building a better world with more heavenly arguments.

Innovative Jewish educators Abi Dauber Sterne and Robbie Gringas have taken on a new approach to learning about Israel: Argument circles. Now, with the help of a $1.1 million grant from the Jim Joseph Foundation, For the Sake of Argument (FSA)’s pilot program will give Dauber Sterne and Gringas the opportunity to achieve successful execution of the program among Jewish community groups across the world.

An engaging conversation between Jessica Steinberg and Abi and Robbie on Times Will Tell, a weekly podcast from The Times of Israel, exploring the backstory and goals of Stories for the Sake of Argument.

The book is intended to be a guide for discussions both in classrooms and in homes. It is worthwhile because it frames many of the issues that Israel faces in new, more understandable ways, which people who devote themselves to ethical choices can debate and learn.

We often like to think ourselves as an argumentative people and believe that is a good thing. After all, the Talmud is a record of debate that paves the way to truth. But in a world that feels increasingly polarised, the clash of views can seem more fractious, no more so than when we are talking about Israel. If we are losing the art of healthy argument, a new book co- authored by Israel-based educator Robbie Gringras hopes to show us a way to recover it.

The authors of Stories for the Sake of Argument hope to create citizens more skilled in earnest disagreement and reduce incidents where one tries to shout at the other into silence. In effect, they are continuing the Talmudic tradition of building a better world with more heavenly arguments.

Innovative Jewish educators Abi Dauber Sterne and Robbie Gringas have taken on a new approach to learning about Israel: Argument circles. Now, with the help of a $1.1 million grant from the Jim Joseph Foundation, For the Sake of Argument (FSA)’s pilot program will give Dauber Sterne and Gringas the opportunity to achieve successful execution of the program among Jewish community groups across the world.

An engaging conversation between Jessica Steinberg and Abi and Robbie on Times Will Tell, a weekly podcast from The Times of Israel, exploring the backstory and goals of Stories for the Sake of Argument.

The book is intended to be a guide for discussions both in classrooms and in homes. It is worthwhile because it frames many of the issues that Israel faces in new, more understandable ways, which people who devote themselves to ethical choices can debate and learn.