As part of the Straus Scholars Program of the Zahava and Moshael Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought, Straus Scholars participate in weekly reading groups outside the classroom that cover the great texts of the West and Judaism. In spring 2024, the Straus Center is offering a variety of reading groups, many of which focus on the great speeches of history as well as the art of oratory.

Senior Scholar Dr. Tevi Troy is leading “Great Political Speeches,” which focuses on orations of famous politicians throughout history, including several American presidents. Recent sessions have focused on Moses’ speech in Deuteronomy, one of Cicero’s Catilinarian orations, George Washington’s speech at Newburgh, and Lincoln’s Gettysburg address. The seminar looks at the goals of political and religious rhetoric and the nature of effective speech-making.

Resident Scholar Dr. Shaina Trapedo is leading “Great Speeches of the West,” which studies the historical moment, rhetorical craft, and critical reception of orations of impact from antiquity to the modern era. Readings include selections from Jay Heinrichs’ Thank You for Arguing: What Aristotle, Lincoln, and Homer Simpson Can Teach Us About the Art of Persuasion and Steve Israel’s Charge!: History’s Greatest Military Speeches. The reading group provides an in-depth look at speech writing techniques as well as a forum for practicing public speaking skills.

Rabbi Dr. Dov Lerner, Clinical Assistant Professor at the Straus Center, is convening a “Sermon Workshop” that guides students through the craft of preparing a drasha tied to the parsha and current affairs. And Impact Officer Sarah Wapner is covering “Great Zionist Speeches,” reflecting on the historical, political, and at times religious significance of speakers who contributed to the modern Zionist movement.

Other reading groups include affiliated faculty Rabbi Dr. Itamar Rosensweig’s “Religious Zionism, Jewish Nationalism, and Israel,” which explores the theological and philosophical foundations of Zionism, with a special focus on debates surrounding the religious significance and legitimacy of the modern state of Israel; and Rabbi Dr. Meir Soloveichik, Director of the Straus Center, is continuing a series with Rabbinic Intern Yehuda Goldberg on “CS Lewis and the Rav,” bringing into conversation the works of two remarkable essayists who presented theologically and philosophically complex issues with clarity and insight.