As Orthodox Jews, to what extent does our basic morality come only from our religious beliefs, as opposed to being an independent basis for our values and conduct? On Sunday, May 4, at 8:15 p.m., the Young Israel of Teaneck will be hosting a unique kind of event that will examine this issue.

The Dr. Bertram J., z”l & Ann Newman Adult Education Program will present a debate between two well-known, respected rabbis: Rabbi Yitzchak Blau, rosh yeshiva at Yeshivat Orayta and associate editor of Tradition, and Rabbi Itamar Rosensweig, maggid shiur and member of the philosophy faculty at Yeshiva University. The debate will be moderated by Rabbi Dovid Bashevkin, educator, author and host/founder of 18Forty.

According to Dr. Daniel Lowe, chair of the YIOT Education Adult Education Committee, “Shuls often have guest lectures, speeches and sometimes panel discussions, but formal debates are rare. The Adult Ed Committee, under the guidance of Rabbi Beni Krohn, thought this would be an engaging way to explore meaningful topics. You want something that’s relatable, thought-provoking and controversial, but where both perspectives are legitimate.”

This debate will follow formal rules, beginning with a “resolution,” the central statement being argued. The resolution for this debate is: “There are moral principles and grounds for morality that exist and obligate us independent of the Torah, Judaism and its teachings.” Rabbi Blau will argue in favor, while Rabbi Rosensweig will argue against. Each speaker will have time for an opening statement, rebuttals and a timed exchange, including opportunities to ask each other questions. If time allows, audience questions will follow before each rabbi delivers closing remarks.

Once the topic was identified, the adult education committee set out to find scholars who hold thoughtful positions on each side. Rabbi Blau and Rabbi Rosensweig, both of whom have strongly held perspectives, agreed to take part in the debate.

“Both rabbis hold clear, opposing views and are popular, respected speakers as well as scholars of the highest caliber,” said Lowe. “Rabbi Bashevkin as well is uniquely qualified to moderate the event, not least thanks to his vast experience managing thought-provoking conversations.

We’re not used to seeing Orthodox rabbis take two different sides of an issue and press each other on it in real time. It should make for a fascinating evening.”

Rabbi Bashevkin shared with The Jewish Link, “I’m excited to be part of a meaningful conversation on such an important topic. This isn’t just a lecture — it’s a chance to hear two respected thinkers engage directly with each other. That kind of thoughtful back-and-forth invites us to reflect more deeply and consider new perspectives.”

The event, in the shul’s beit midrash, is free and open to the community. Young Israel of Teaneck is located at 868 Perry Lane. For more information, email [email protected].

Rabbi Blau studied at Yeshivat Har Etzion and Yeshiva University. He holds a B.A. in English literature, an M.A. in medieval Jewish history from Revel, and semicha from RIETS. He is a rosh yeshiva at Yeshivat Orayta and teaches at Midreshet Lindenbaum. Rabbi Blau is the author of “Fresh Fruit and Vintage Wine: The Ethics and Wisdom of the Aggada,” and has published over 25 articles on Jewish thought. He is also an associate editor of Tradition. He lives in Alon Shvut with his wife and four children.

Rabbi Rosensweig is a maggid shiur at Yeshiva University, a dayan and chaver beit din at the Beth Din of America, and the rav of the Shtiebel of Lower Merion. He holds a secondary appointment as an assistant professor of philosophy at Yeshiva College and chair of Jewish studies at the Sy Syms School of Business. He holds semicha, Yoreh Yoreh and Yadin Yadin from RIETS; a B.A. with honors in physics and philosophy from Yeshiva University; and graduate degrees in Jewish history and philosophy from Columbia University, the University of Pennsylvania, and YU’s Bernard Revel Graduate School.

Rabbi Bashevkin is the director of education for NCSY and clinical assistant professor of Jewish values at the Sy Syms School of Business at Yeshiva University. He teaches public policy, religious crisis and rabbinic thought. He holds semicha from Yeshiva University, a master’s degree from the Bernard Revel Graduate School, and a doctorate in public policy and management from the New School. He is the host and founder of 18Forty and the author of four books.