Photos and quotes from Genesis participants expressing the knowledge they gained about American and Jewish law through the "Seeking Justice" course. 

In Pursuit of Justice


The Theories and Realities of the Legal System


The meaning of the law as well as individual's relationship to law are constantly changing.  In this course, we will confront our internal sense of right and wrong, examine the approaches of civil and Jewish law, and sharpen our answer to the question, "What is Justice"? 

The following topics and activities have been part of this course in past summers. Your experience may include some of these or others like them, depending on the instructor’s plans.


Ask Questions


  • What is justice?

  • What challenges do our legal system face?

  • Is the law ever wrong?

  • To what extent, as Jews, is it our responsibility to pursue justice?

Find Answers


  • Examine classic texts of western philosophy, Bible and Talmud, constitutions and court cases from the U.S., Israel and beyond;

  • Explore legal challenges through the lens of Jewish and American legal concepts;

  • Hear from expert witnesses about using MRI brain scans as lie detection evidence in federal trials.


Take Action


  • Argue a case downtown at the Boston Federal Courthouse in front of a federal judge;

  • Research and present a case before a medical-ethics panel at a Jewish hospital;

  • Participate in a mock criminal trial set in the future;

  • Identify practical ways that you can promote justice or Tikkun Olam (repairing the world).


Meet the Instructor