Develop ethical arguments grounded in Jewish wisdom.
Our competitions are structured around a detailed case alongside a curated sourcebook of traditional and modern Jewish texts. Teams develop arguments using the provided source material to address the questions presented in the case. Cases in recent years have addressed timely issues including medical ethics, #MeToo, and artificial intelligence.
Powered by the Hadar Institute and supported by Maimonides Fund, the competition offers students the opportunity to present their arguments in front of a panel of expert judges. Our aim is to inspire rigorous ethical debate rooted in Jewish legal wisdom, providing students an international stage to engage the most significant challenges of our time.
The Maimonides Moot Court High School Competition occurs over a thrilling weekend. Beginning with an inspirational shabbaton and culminating in a spirited competition, the experience brings an international cohort of students together into a shared conversation rooted in the intensive study of Jewish ethics.
We offer students an empowering look at the inner workings of Jewish legal tradition. In the months leading up to the competition, students are provided a detailed case involving a contemporary ethical quandary and a sourcebook of relevant Jewish texts. Following a shabbat celebrated in community, students debate their rulings in front of a panel of expert judges.
Jewish scholarship has always involved vigorous minds engaged in lively debate. We model this dynamic process on an international stage, demonstrating to students how Jewish wisdom can span cultures, geography, and time, to offer unique insight into the most complex questions of today. Through a deep engagement with the sources, we aim to inspire the development of ethical leadership skills rooted in the timeless wisdom of Jewish texts.
Maimonides Moot Court Competition staff
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.
Mara Braunfeld, Senior Director of Children and Families
Mara Braunfeld is a Jewish Educator with over 15 years of experience creating community, building relationships, and bringing innovative leadership to progressive and pluralistic Jewish settings. She earned a B.A. from Brandeis University and a Masters in Jewish Education from the Rhea Hirsch School at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. Previously, she worked at Temple Israel Center in White Plains, NY, at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, and at Temple Shaaray Tefila in Bedford Corners, NY. Mara, her husband Daniel, and their three amazing children live in Manhattan.
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.
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