National Columnist Challenges Local Audience at 2026 Rappaport Speaker Series
Stuart, Fla. – Nearly 200 people gathered at Temple Beit HaYam on Jan. 15 for an evening of thoughtful conversation as Bret Stephens, Pulitzer Prize–winning columnist for The New York Times, opened the 2026 Rappaport Speaker Series with his talk, “America at a Crossroads: The Future of Conservatism.”
Stephens, who often describes himself as part of “the conservative wing of the liberal church,” drew on his long career in journalism to explore where the country is headed politically. He is known for challenging ideas on both the political right and left, and for encouraging readers to think beyond party labels.
During his talk, Stephens asked a simple but powerful question: Do Americans still believe in a shared set of values? He pointed to ideas that many people agree on, such as strong families, fairness, respect for the military and law enforcement, free and fair elections, obeying the law, integrity in business, giving back to the community, and maintaining global stability.
Stephens argued that politics focused too heavily on identity, on either side, can weaken those shared values. In his view, this kind of thinking discourages open debate and makes it harder for people to disagree respectfully.
“In a healthy society, we have dissent and the free expression of different points of view,” Stephens said. “We need to save the possibility of independent thought. If we can do that, we’ll be OK.”
He also talked about how divided the country has become and contrasted today’s political climate with earlier eras when leaders could strongly disagree while maintaining mutual respect. As an example, he mentioned President Ronald Reagan and House Speaker Tip O'Neill, who could battle intensely over policy, then shake hands, put the debate aside, maintain mutual respect and find ways to govern together.
Veteran journalist Michael Williams guided the conversation on a wide range of issues including antisemitism, the war in Ukraine, the crisis in Gaza, tensions with Iran, and the state of American democracy.
Stephens explained that his goal as a columnist is not to tell people what to think, but to carve out a path that helps people think through complex issues. “Readers may disagree with my conclusions, but I want them to feel they’ve been offered a serious and honest way of looking at an issue. Freedom of speech applies to those who agree with us and those who don’t,” Stephens added.
Each year, the Rappaport Speaker Series brings nationally recognized voices to Temple Beit HaYam to inform, challenge, and inspire the Treasure Coast community. Funded by a grant from the Phyllis & Jerome Lyle Rappaport Foundation, the series has become a trusted forum for civil discourse and intellectual exchange.
Next up in the 2026 series:
• Feb. 26: Dr. Laurie Santos, Yale University professor, psychologist, and host of The Happiness Lab podcast, will present “Calm Amidst the Chaos: The Science of Happiness.”
• Mar. 26: Eve Samples, former journalist and executive director of Friends of the Everglades, will speak on “Everglades on Trial: A Test for Environmental Policy in America.”
All presentations begin at 7 p.m. at Temple Beit HaYam. Tickets are available at www.RappaportSpeakerSeries.com.
More information about the Rappaport Center, the Speaker Series, and the 2026 presenters is available at www.RappaportSpeakerSeries.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RappaportCenterSpeakerSeries
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About the Rappaport Foundation
The Phyllis & Jerome Lyle Rappaport Foundation partners with leading institutions in Boston and beyond to cultivate emerging leaders in public policy, mental health, neurodegenerative research, and the arts. The Foundation has a long and proud history of supporting emerging leaders, including civic leaders who improve the lives of their constituents and communities, medical researchers who have unlocked the mysteries of the brain, mental illness and Alzheimer’s disease, and artists who enrich lives, ignite imaginations, and challenge us to see the world in a new light. In Stuart, Florida, the Foundation sponsors the Rappaport Center Speaker Series to promote informed dialogue on issues of national and international importance.
About Temple Beit HaYam
Founded in 1993, Temple Beit HaYam is a Reform Jewish congregation in Stuart dedicated to Torah (lifelong learning), Avodah (worship), and Gemilut Chasadim (acts of kindness and justice). Temple Beit HaYam is a Reform Jewish Congregation committed to Torah (life-long Jewish education), avodah (worship through prayer and service) and gemilut chasadim (acts of loving kindness). The Temple offers Hebrew and religious training to youngsters from kindergarten through high school, has active Sisterhood and Brotherhood programs, and is an active cultural hub, hosting concerts, lectures, and community events that enrich the Treasure Coast.