Jewish culture has often emphasized the power of words, from Genesis creation accomplished by “let there be,” to replacing animal sacrifice with fixed recitation, to the idolization (and even idolatry) of a book of books. Today, we argue ever more fiercely over the meaning of words: “free speech” “Zionism” “justice” “antisemitism” “democracy” are just some of the battlefields. Can our Jewish past teach our present how to constructively disagree?
The International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism (www.iishj.org) convened a Shabbat learning program on "Arguing Jewishly: Dispute, Debate, Dialogue" in honor of its May 2024 ordination of new rabbis, leaders, and life cycle officiants. In this panel program, Rabbi Adam Chalom (www.iishj.org, www.kolhadash.com) and Rabbi Denise Handlarski (www.secularsynagogue.com) share their thoughts on communication, debate, and understanding. To see part 1 of this program, watch • Arguing Jewishly part ... .
To view the entire video playlist from the 2024 ordination weekend, visit • 2024 IISHJ Rabbinic, O...
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