2026 Essay Contest – “Dina D’Malkhuta Dina: The Law of the Land is the Law.”

YCT is accepting submissions for our annual essay contest!

The 2026 topic is “Dina D’Malkhuta Dina: The Law of the Land is the Law.” Winner will receive an $1,800 prize.

Essays should address questions such as:

• What are the imperatives and challenges of the principle “the law of the land is the law” in today’s society?
• What is its relevance to issues such as abortion, immigration, gender identity, or free speech?
• When should Jewish law or ethical imperatives override secular law?

Submissions will be accepted in English, French, Hebrew and Spanish and should be 1,000 words.

This contest is open to anyone ages 18-30 and closed to YCT affiliates.

Please submit essay submissions along with contact info to: office@yctorah.org