Archive - The Wandering Professor: Ideas from Samuel Abrams

Rethinking Trust and Its Relationship to Social Capital

New data from the Pew Research Center indicate that trust in others across the United States has declined from earlier decades.

May 22 •

Samuel J. Abrams

April 2025

Talk Less, Listen More

In advance of the Passover holiday, prominent Rabbi David Wolpe asked journalist Douglas Murray how families should talk at the Seder to those captured…

Apr 16 •

Samuel J. Abrams

Stop Recording Everything

On a recent spring evening, I took my son to Cirque du Soleil’s beautiful Mexican-themed production, Luzia.

Apr 8 •

Samuel J. Abrams

March 2025

A Jewish Professor Claims Trump’s Fight Against Antisemitism Is Insincere—But Leaves Out Key Facts to Make His Case

In an article for Slate, Joel Swanson, a newly hired professor of Jewish Studies at Sarah Lawrence College (SLC), selectively presents only part of the…

Mar 22 •

Samuel J. Abrams

Put Your Cellphone Down

Bans on cell phones in schools have become popular across the country and abroad. Adults should follow the school’s lead. Despite the cell phone’s…

Mar 18 •

Samuel J. Abrams

The Collegiate Marketplace Is Changing

A recent article in the New York Post revealed that despite being a historically well-regarded Ivy League school, prospective students are souring on…

Mar 17 •

Samuel J. Abrams

Perspective: The merits of Scouting

Earning Scout badges helped me me think outside myself and appreciate diversity, history and institutions — teachings not making it to those in Gen…

Mar 16 •

Samuel J. Abrams

Faculty Have an Obligation To Engage

Last week, it was announced that the Trump Administration cut $400 million in grants to Columbia University and is at risk of losing more federal…

Mar 15 •

Samuel J. Abrams

Survey Reveals College and University Presidents Failing to Adopt Neutrality Policies

The Heterodox Academy found that in 2024, more than 100 colleges and universities across North America adopted institutional neutrality policies. Taking…

Mar 10 •

Samuel J. Abrams

Let’s Keep Libraries Open Longer

The New York City public library system has over 200 branches scattered throughout the metropolis, but only 21 libraries are open seven days a week.

Mar 10 •

Samuel J. Abrams

Of the many Jewish holidays that dot the calendar, one of my son’s favorites is Purim.

Mar 10 •

Samuel J. Abrams

This is The Wandering Professor: Ideas from Samuel Abrams.

Mar 10 •

Samuel J. Abrams

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