Money Matters: Judaism's approach to practical economic dilemmas and monetary quandaries

Money Matters will present Judaism's approach to practical economic dilemmas and monetary quandaries that we face daily in both our personal and professional lives.

The goal of this course is to provide a sensitive, fair, and unshakable economic paradigm grounded in 3,000 years of tradition and practical experience—an ancient yet fresh spin on how we view ethics of money. 

Students will emerge from this course with an understanding that only a divine economic system can ensure unequivocal justice while recognizing the virtue in each stakeholder's position. Money Matters will show how the Torah's sharply discerning yet holistic rulings inspire us with the confidence to confront any ethical economic dilemma.

Course Outline

1. Insider Trading
Information is a valuable commodity—this fact has been made clear by recent stories of high-profile prosecutions on insider trading charges. But is it fair to require companies to make information readily available to people who did not expend the time, effort, and money to attain it? Can stealing or misusing information be likened to property theft? How do we set up markets which ensure that risk is apportioned fairly? In this lesson, we will compare and contrast what American law and Jewish law have to say on the subject.

2. Living Wages
While a lucky few go home with millions, many more return home in poverty. What is the best way to solve the problem of the ''working poor''? Should employers be obligated to pay their employees the minimum hourly income necessary for a worker to meet basic needs? This lesson will explore this hotly debated issue fro