February 10, 2025
AJC New York was privileged to welcome award-winning journalist Abigail Pogrebin and Rabbi Dov Linzer, President and Rosh HaYeshiva of Yeshivat Chovevei Torah, for a rich and resonant conversation. Moderated by AJC’s Dr. Laura Shaw Frank, the panel explored complex issues through thoughtful, values-driven dialogue.
Drawing from Pogrebin and Linzer’s co-authored book, It Takes Two to Torah, the evening offered a compelling model of sacred debate grounded in intellectual rigor and mutual respect. The book—an honest and layered exchange between a Reform journalist and an Orthodox rabbi—invites readers into a weekly Torah study that honors difference while affirming shared purpose.
Together, the panelists delved into the Jewish concept of machloket l’shem shamayim—disagreement for the sake of heaven—not just as a lofty ideal but as a daily practice, essential for personal growth and communal resilience. Through candid reflection and spirited engagement, they illuminated how ideological divides can become points of connection when approached with humility and a commitment to learning.
The conversation touched on urgent questions about the evolving contours of Jewish identity, the respective insights of Reform and Orthodox traditions, and the enduring relevance of Torah as a source of moral clarity in a fractured world. Throughout, the themes at the heart of AJC’s mission—combating antisemitism, strengthening Israel’s place in the world, and advancing human rights—resonated deeply.
As Pogrebin, Linzer, and Shaw Frank demonstrated, Jewish text and tradition offer not only wisdom but a blueprint for navigating difference with integrity. The evening was a powerful reminder that leadership often begins with the willingness to listen—especially across lines of disagreement.
Critical Conversations is a signature AJC New York series for members of the AJC Marshall Society and National Leadership Council.
Click here to learn more about our Donor Recognition Societies.
