Dear Students, Administrators, and Teachers,

This project is open to all current senior students of participating schools who plan on Torah study in Eretz Yisrael for the 5787-2026-27 school year.

Two First place prizes of $1800 will be awarded.

Three Second place prizes of $500 will be awarded.

Step #1:    Select a Topic

Entrants may select a project from one of the topics listed below:

a. Crime and Punishment
    Under what conditions may the Jewish state apply capital punishment to a non-Jew found guilty of murder in the performance  of an act of terror?

b. Halachic and Hashkafic Reflections in the Wake of October 7:
     Pidyon Shevuyim
     National Aveilus
     Aveilus on Yom Tov
     Hilchos Milchama
     Zihuy Gufot
     Achdus

c. Law and Identification
     DNA analysis
     Facial identification

d. Intellectual Property Rights
     Artificial Intelligence: Redefining originality in research

e. Extending Life and End of Life
     Defining “death”
     Prolonging life? Or extending the process of dying
     Halachic parameters for identifying remains of those who have been deceased for extended periods of time

f. Kashruth
    Cell generated “meat” Kosher? What Bracha is made?  Fleishig? Pareve?

g. Boundaries of the Jewish State
     May land in Eretz Yisrael be “sold” to Arabs  in order to  observe Shemitta with the guidelines of the Heter Mechira?
     Should an agreement become a realistic possibility, may land Halachically be surrendered to Arab control?
     During Shemitta may Jews who do not employ the Heter Mechira purchase produce grown in Eretz Yisrael?

h. Mitzvot Hateluyot BaAretz
     Which areas of Eretz Yisrael do not grow produce that is obligated in Terumot and Maasrot?

 

Step #2: Select your reference options and sources

Your teachers and your Rebbe or Rabbeim may be able to guide you in following the trail of research on the topic that you have selected.   Additional help may be requested from cRc. Send an email to [email protected].

Please be concise and specific as to your topic and the questions that you have. You will receive a reply via return of your email request at your email address.

Your advisor may point you in the right direction. But, you must do the “legwork” and “brainwork” on your own.

Step #3: Compose research paper addressing your topic.

While there is no minimum requirement, we anticipate a paper of 5 double-spaced pages at 12-point font would be needed to introduce, explore and conclude your project. As to maximum length, address your paper to an aspect of the topic – not the entire topic.

Step #4: Submission Deadline: Friday, Iyar 28, 5786 – Yom Yerushalayim; May 15, 2026

Essays should be emailed to [email protected]. A hard copy must also be mailed or brought to:
Chicago Rabbinical Council, 2701 W. Howard Street, Chicago, Illinois 60645.
The cRc will email you when your essay is received.

IMPORTANT:

YOUR ENTRY MUST HAVE A COVER PAGE WHICH WILL INCLUDE CONTACT INFORMATION:

• Your name
• Your Home Address
• Email Address
• Home phone
• Your mobile phone number or that of a parent
• Your school

YOUR NAME MUST NOT APPEAR ANYWHERE OTHER THAN ON THE COVER PAGE.

The title of your project should appear at the top of each page of your entry.

Please direct all questions to the cRc at [email protected] or call 773-250.5499.