How Should a New Jewish Museum Handle Opening on the Sabbath?

The National Museum of American Jewish History, opening next month in Philadelphia, faced a dilemma: “Should the museum be open Saturdays – even though Jewish law forbids work and commercial transactions? Or should the museum be closed Saturdays – missing out on up to a quarter of its anticipated admission revenue?” They found an innovative solution.

Do Colleges Today Need Things Like French Departments?

“The State University of New York at Albany … announced this month that it is getting rid of degree programs in French, Italian, classics, Russian and theater. … While many large universities are promoting majors like information technology as career preparation for jobs, French and classics do not seem to fit that bill.” Eight professionals debate the issue.

Can Humans Have Morality Without Religion? Our Primate Cousins Can.

Frans de Waal: “Perhaps it is just me, but I am wary of anyone whose belief system is the only thing standing between them and repulsive behavior. Why not assume that our humanity, including the self-control needed for livable societies, is built into us? Does anyone truly believe that our ancestors lacked social norms before they had religion?”