“Abraham on Trial” – a mock courtroom drama of biblical proportions

A recording of this special event. 

The story of Abraham’s divinely-instructed attempt to sacrifice his son is truly shocking. Millennia have not lessened its impact. Was Abraham right to risk his son’s life? Was it fair to his wife Sarah?

We gathered some truly great legal minds, all deeply committed to their religious faith, to debate this historic case. The conceit of this courtroom drama was in order to deepen our appreciation of the Torah and the profound challenges faced by our ancestors. Rather than our illustrious patriarch, it was our understanding of the Akeidah, the binding of Isaac, that was on trial. The evening was a fascinating and original way to tackle one of the most challenging stories in the Torah.

Participants:

Judge: Lindsey Kushner QC - recently retired Senior Circuit Judge; expert in Family Law 

Rabbinic Advisor - Rabbi Rr Raphael Zarum, Dean of LSJS

Challenging Abraham:  

Professor Anthony Julius – Solicitor advocate at Mishcon de Reya. Chair in Law and Arts, University College London; and David Woldson 

David Wolfson QC – Barrister, One Essex Court. Commercial Litigation Silk of the Year 2020.

Defending Abraham:

Jonathan Seitler QC – Deputy Head of Chambers at Wilberforce. Ranked top silk for Real Estate Litigation in 2019.

Dr Harris Bor – Barrister, Twenty Essex. International Arbitration Junior of the Year, shortlist 2020.

Once purchased, the video will be available to watch for 28 days.