Debate contemporary cases using Jewish legal wisdom.

March 19-22, 2026

Interest Form
2026 Registration (Coming Soon)

Develop ethical arguments grounded in Jewish wisdom.

Powered by Hadar and supported by Maimonides Fund, MMCC is the premier program for high school students to engage with modern-day ethical questions using Jewish legal wisdom.

 

Here’s how it works: Each competition revolves around a detailed case accompanied by a sourcebook of traditional and modern Jewish texts. In the months leading up to the competition, participants study these curated sources to craft arguments addressing the legal and ethical questions presented by the case. At the competition, teams present and defend their arguments before a panel of expert judges.
 
The competition weekend kicks off with a dynamic Shabbaton, drawing a diverse cohort of students from across North America and Israel. Check out the 2025 program schedule to get a feel for the full experience.

Students can participate through their school, synagogue, or local community cohorts — or sign up individually to be matched with a team. Not sure if you’re ready to register? Fill out this interest form and someone from the team will be in touch with you!

Our Team

Aliza Abolafia, Associate Director of Teen Empowerment

Aliza Abolafia is the Associate Director of Teen Empowerment at Hadar where she works with Jewish teens to deepen and develop their religious and spiritual lives. Aliza holds a Master of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School and spent two years learning full time as a fellow at Yeshivat Hadar, experiences that have deepened her commitment to the transformative and affirming power of sacred text. Aliza serves as mashgihah ruhanit (spiritual advisor) at Camp Yavneh in Northwood, NH and as Spiritual Leader of the Havurah Minyan of the Capital District in Albany, NY. A life-long learner as well as an educator, Aliza is passionate about leading spiritually impactful Jewish experiences for all ages.

Yitzhak Bronstein, Director of Maimonides Moot Court Competition

Yitzhak Bronstein is the Director of the Maimonides Moot Court Competition and a member of the Hadar faculty. He is in the inaugural cohort of Rabbanut North America: The Hartman Beit Midrash for New North American Rabbis. Yitzhak has an MA from the University of Chicago Divinity School with a focus on religious ethics and a BA from Yeshiva University in philosophy. He also studied for two years at Yeshivat Har Etzion. Yitzhak lives in Rockville, MD with his wife Catherine.

Dani Carrus, National Program Associate

Dani Carrus is Hadar’s National Program Associate. Prior to joining Hadar, Dani worked at a plethora of Jewish institutions, doing both formal and experiential Jewish education, including seven summers at Ramah New England and nine years teaching General Studies and Judaics at the Maimonides School. She holds both her MA and BA from Brandeis University. Originally from a small town in New Hampshire, Dani now calls the Boston area her home.

Julia Chatinover, Associate Director of Programs

Julia Chatinover is the Associate Director of Programs at Hadar. Prior to joining Hadar, Julia spent 6 years creating joyful Jewish experiences as the assistant director of Camp Ramah in the Rockies. During her time at Ramah, she participated in the Foundation for Jewish Camp Yitro Leadership Program. She earned a BA in Earth Science from Columbia University, and a BA in Talmud & Rabbinics from JTS List College. After college, Julia was also a fellow in Hadar’s year-long Yeshiva. Originally from Seattle, Julia lives in Boston and is spending the 2021-22 academic year in Jerusalem.

Advisory Board

Coming soon

Explore our cases and sourcebooks

In preparation for our annual competitions, students are provided a detailed case which engages a contemporary ethical issue. Our sourcebooks contain curated texts spanning the full breadth of Jewish tradition; ancient and medieval texts are juxtaposed with modern perspectives from our present moment. A strong argument will engage these sources and bring them into conversation with each other.

 

 

The Ethics of Gambling - 2025 Sourcebook

The case this year challenges students to explore a set of complex questions surrounding the legalization and regulation of gambling. On the one hand, this topic has been debated in Jewish texts for many centuries dating back to the Talmud. However, the advent of online gambling—and in particular the legalization of sports betting apps in many locales—has led to a surge in gambling activity and brings a renewed sense of urgency to these questions.

Privacy in the Digital Age - 2024 Sourcebook

This year’s case challenges students to explore how traditional Jewish laws and ethical teachings on the nature of privacy rights can be applied in the digital age. In particular, participants will determine whether there should be limits
in place regarding the types of data that social media platforms can collect from their users, and for what purposes.

Business Competition in the Age of AI - 2023 Sourcebook

This case explores whether Jewish law recognizes the rights of workers to prevent their jobs from being displaced by AI. In particular, should a city government protect local taxi drivers by banning or regulating a corporation with a self-driving taxi fleet? Or should the lower prices and added convenience of the self-driving fleet be embraced?

Shaming on Social Media - 2022 Sourcebook (High School)

Framed around a contested social media page, the case challenges students to explore how Jewish laws around speech and shaming can be applied to a modern context. The case poses the following question: is online shaming permissible for a greater cause?

Beyond the Box - 2021 Sourcebook

The 2021 case addresses a crucial question of human rights and criminal justice: what are the rights of an individual who has been convicted of a crime and has served their punishment? Students will evaluate the “Beyond the Box” initiative, which encourages universities not to inquire about the criminal histories of applicants during the admissions process.

Tainted Money - 2020 Sourcebook

A group of student climate activists struggling financially is approached by a donor who allegedly profited from human rights abuses at a detention center for asylum seekers. How should the student activists respond?

Additional Helpful Resources

General FAQSCollegiate FAQSHigh School FAQS

When will the MMCC high school competition take place?

The Shabbaton will take place from March 19-22, 2026. The competition will be held on the morning of March 22, 2026.

Who is a typical MMCC participant?

We design MMCC to be a meaningful and empowering experience for Jewish high school students of all backgrounds.

Can I participate without having previous experience with Jewish law or Jewish text study?

Yes! Participants are provided a sourcebook with all of the materials needed to compete. All texts are included in their original language alongside an English translation.

How do you choose the topic for each year's case?

Each case challenges students to explore a high stakes ethical question. In recent years our cases have addressed a diverse range of issues including artificial intelligence,social media, criminal justice, and medical ethics.

How many students attend the Shabbaton?

Our 2025 program included over 300 students from across the United States, Canada, Israel, and Argentina.

What types of organizations send teams?

Teams are fielded by day schools, synagogues, and other teen organizations. Additionally, individual students may also sign up for the shabbaton and competition by enrolling in our online preparation class.

Can I register without a team? How can I prepare for the competition if my school does not participate?

Yes! There will local cohorts in several cities, in addition to an online prep course that students can sign up for independently. This enables anyone who is interested to study the sources in preparation for the competition and be eligible to attend the shabbaton.

How many students compete on each team?

Teams typically have 3-5 students. Organizations are welcome to field multiple teams.

What is the structure of the competition weekend?

Programming begins on Thursday evening and continues through Sunday afternoon. The first days of the conference are dedicated to community building and educational activities, leading into an inspiring Shabbat. The competition takes place on Sunday morning.

What is the Shabbat experience like?

Shabbat is a highlight of the experience! As a pluralistic program, we welcome students from a wide range of backgrounds for an incredible Shabbat spent in community. The schedule includes a wide range of learning sessions, communal singing, electives, multiple options for tefilah (prayer), and many optional activities.

Will there be an option to participate in the competition virtually?

We strongly encourage students to participate in person. If students are unable to attend the competition in person but like to participate in a virtual competition on a different day, please let us know.

When is the application deadline for the 2026 competition?

The deadline for organizations to register is November 1, 2025. If you are interested in registering after that date, space may be available but is not guaranteed.

Who can I speak to for more information?

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Yitzhak Bronstein (bronstein@hadar.org) with any questions about participating.

Connect With Us

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Yitzhak Bronstein with any questions about participating.

 

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