Since October 7, it’s gotten harder and harder to have civil conversations about Israel & Palestine with people who don’t share our views. For some Jews the issues of the day are black and white, for many others they are a rainbow of grays. Either way, you’ve likely felt uncomfortable at some time since this round of conflict began – when you are with Jewish friends who see and feel things differently, with non-Jewish friends asking your opinion, when you find yourself questioning some of your long-held teachings and beliefs. You may feel reluctant to share your point of view at the same time as you feel compelled to do so.
In this interactive gathering we’ll open space for dialogue about current events in Israel/Palestine. Our time together will be built around the Work that Reconnects (WTR) spiral for reflection – Grounding in Gratitude, Honoring our Pain for the World, Seeing with New and Ancient Eyes, and Going Forth. Jewish communities have been using WTR for decades to support conversations about environmental issues and anxiety around climate change. It also has usefulness for us in this moment.
We’ll move through the spiral through song, storytelling, one-on-one dialogue, and group activities as we consider the ongoing conflict in Israel-Palestine, practicing deep listening to hear a range of perspectives on the issues at hand from others in the Central Ohio Jewish community, and envision ways that we can act (as individuals and klal Israel) for the welfare of those living in the region moving forward. As Joanna Macy and Molly Brown write in Coming Back to Life, their guide to the Work that Reconnects, “This is spirit work. It heals and it gives us hope, thereby empowering us on the way to a healing life.”
Shema Israel….Please join us with an open heart and open mind.
Date: December 17th, 2023
Time: 4pm-8pm (a light dinner will be served with time for shmoozing)
Click here for more information and registration form.
Facilitators:
Jodi Kushins was born and raised in the New York metro area where she spent many years deeply immersed in the Conservative movement, including a decade at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires as a camper and staff member. An educator by trade, Jodi is a lifelong learner passionate about the intersections of Judaism, ecology, and art. She furthers this work as an urban farmer @ Over the Fence Urban Farm where the kehilah meets for festivals throughout the year.
Joanie Calem grew up in a Jewish home that was primarily focused on social action and the responsibility of participating in tikkun olam. She learned about liturgy and prayer during the 22 years that she lived in Israel. Joanie has a deep love and appreciation for the Hebrew language and music, and being able to put music and Hebrew together in prayer is one of her deepest joys. Read more about Joanie on her website.