Anyone even remotely familiar with the Talmud will note the routine exchange or dialogue that takes place between rabbis. The rabbis are often from different periods, but the conversations add to the understanding and elaboration of the tradition. The conversation, in that sense, is very much alive.

That model has always drawn me, and I believe it shows the complexity of the classical Jewish tradition to entertain and present perspectives alongside each other that may provide the exact opposite view. What about if we could hear great rabbis of Judaism discuss issues that concern us today by inviting them to our dinner table? We may be not able to do that, but we can construct an imaginary conversation based on their views on various topics. Our concern is on their views on Jewish identity and the non-Jewish world.