Jonathan Samen Hot Buttons, Cool Conversations Discussion Series
What is Hot Buttons, Cool Conversations?
If you enjoy a lively exchange of ideas on today’s hot button topics, Jonathan Samen Hot Buttons, Cool Conversations — the JCC’s acclaimed discussion series — is for you.
We bring together distinguished scholars, thought leaders and expert moderators for thought-provoking dialogue on issues of concern to the Jewish community and beyond. The series is named in honor of Jonathan Samen, z”l (of blessed memory), past chair of the JCC Greater Boston Governing Board, to recognize his legacy of leadership.
All JCC arts and humanities offerings are programs of the Ryna Greenbaum JCC Center for the Arts. As a 501(c)(3), JCC Greater Boston does not endorse or oppose candidates for public office or political parties.
Upcoming Events
Israeli Elections 2026: What's at Stake?
Thursday, October 8 | 7–8:30pm
Israel is approaching a pivotal election, shaped by significant political, security, and regional pressures. Join us for a timely conversation about the upcoming Israeli elections and what they mean for the country's future.
Our panel of experts will explain how Israel's electoral system works, break down the key parties and issues shaping the race, and explore what the results could mean for Israeli society, U.S.-Israel relations, and the Middle East. Whether you follow Israeli politics closely or want to understand what's at stake, this discussion offers context and perspective on a consequential moment for Israel.
Meet the Panelists
Associate Professor of Political Science and International Studies, Stonehill College
Anwar Mhajne
Associate Professor of Political Science and International Studies, Stonehill College
Anwar Mhajne is an Associate Professor of Political Science and International Studies at Stonehill College, a Visiting Scholar at Harvard University’s Center for Middle Eastern Studies, and a term member of the Council on Foreign Relations. A Palestinian citizen of Israel, her research examines Israeli politics, Palestinian citizens of Israel, Arab political parties and electoral participation, democratic backsliding, state surveillance, and digital repression. Her academic and public-facing work has appeared in the Journal of Human Rights, Survival, Global Studies Quarterly, and the Cairo Review of Global Affairs. She serves on the Academic Advisory Board of Combatants for Peace and is a member of Academics for Equality.
Senior Research Fellow, Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs
Barak Sella
Senior Research Fellow, Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs
Barak Sella is a Senior Research Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, where he leads the Middle East Initiative Israel Program. He is the founder and U.S. director of The Abraham Tent, a nonprofit advancing civil society and educational initiatives working to strengthen the human bonds between the United States, Israel, and the region. Previously, Barak served as Executive Director of the Reut Institute, where he worked with senior leaders across government, philanthropy, and civil society on issues of strategy, antisemitism, and Israel–Diaspora relations.
Interim Director, Schusterman Center for Israel Studies at Brandeis University
Shayna Weiss
Interim Director, Schusterman Center for Israel Studies at Brandeis University
Dr. Shayna Weiss is the Interim Director of the Schusterman Center for Israel Studies at Brandeis University. Previously, she was the inaugural Distinguished Visiting Scholar in Israel Studies at the United States Naval Academy. She received her PhD from New York University in Hebrew and Judaic Studies. Her research interests include the Haredi community and the politics of Israeli popular culture. Her first book, Holy Waters: Gender Segregation and the Rise of Haredi Politics in Israel, will be published by Rutgers Press in May 2027.
Past Events
Changing Hate to Hope: Conversations from the Front Line
Hear from Arno Michaelis, a former Neo-Nazi and author of My Life After Hate, and Mubin Shaikh, a former jihadist supporter turned counterterrorism expert, who will share their journeys from radicalization to redemption. They reflect on their transformations, the beliefs that once fueled their hatred, and the turning points that led them to turn their lives around and be agents of change. Together, they offer an honest and compassionate exploration of how hate develops, how people change, and how meaningful connections can emerge even in painful and traumatic times. The program is moderated by Dr. Miri Bar-Halpern, trauma psychologist and Director of Trauma Training & Services at Parents for Peace.
To Be A Jew Today with Noah Feldman
What it means to be a Jew today feels more urgent than ever. For some, Jewish identity has become a source of connection and belonging; for others, it prompts searching questions about who we are and how we show up in the world. In this timely and thought-provoking conversation, Harvard Law Professor Noah Feldman sat down with Rabbi Charlie Schwartz, Director of Lehrhaus, to explore this enduring and pressing question. Drawing on a lifetime of deep engagement with Judaism, Feldman offers a wide-ranging and nuanced reflection on Jewish identity, examining how Jews navigate their relationships to God, to Israel, and to one another in an era of profound change and challenge.
Presidential Powers: Past, Present, and Future
CNN Presidential historian Timothy Naftali, and ABC News legal contributor Kimberly Wehle shed light on how presidential authority has evolved over time, the constitutional debates surrounding executive power, and how a historical lens is illuminating and relevant to the present-day. Moderated by Aaron Tang of the emmy-nominated TV series, “Breaking the Deadlock” that brings different voices together for civil debate on America’s toughest issues.
The Trump Effect: Examining the Impact on the Jewish Community
Gabby Deutch, Eli Lake, and Jonathan Weisman—three leading journalists—joined moderator Jane Eisner for a timely and thought-provoking conversation on the impact of Donald Trump’s policies on the Jewish community. Topics included Israel, anti-Semitism, and the evolving landscape of American Jewish values. The panel offered a range of perspectives and insights into how Trump’s presidency has shaped and challenged Jewish interests.
Unlocking the Key to Happiness: It's Never Too Late!
Dr. Robert Waldinger, author of, “The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness” reveals the answers to the question: What makes for a happy and fulfilling life? His TED Talk about the Harvard Study, “What Makes a Good Life,” has more than 47 million views and is one of the ten most-watched TED talks ever.
October 7 One Year Later: The War’s Far Reaching Impact
It has been nearly a year since the October 7th attacks, the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust. That day, and the ensuing war, sparked a surge in global antisemitism and immense suffering on both sides. Our Hot Buttons, Cool Conversations panel features American, Israeli, and Palestinian experts. They discuss the war’s impact in Israel and its political effects in the U.S.. The panel also explores how the war may influence upcoming elections and how election results could affect the ongoing conflict.
Israel and Gaza: Finding a Way Forward
As we approach six months since the horrendous massacre on October 7, there is no end in sight for the conflict in Gaza. With an incalculable human cost, our Hot Buttons Cool Conversations panel examines if there is another way forward. We look ahead to the time when Israelis, Palestinians and the rest of the world must wrestle with the future Gaza and its relationship with Israel. We examine Israel’s alternative paths and what role the U.S. has to play in managing the crisis.
An Evening with David Brooks
David Brooks is an op-ed columnist for The New York Times and a writer for The Atlantic. He is a regular on the PBS NewsHour. He is also the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Second Mountain and The Road to Character. David discusses his latest book, How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Seen. He offers a practical guide to truly knowing others and fostering deeper connections. This topic is especially relevant given the current state of our country and the world.
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