Engaging in discussions about Israel often leads to heated debates or avoidance. “Our communities have never felt more split, especially when it comes to talking about Israel. But our Jewish wisdom tells us a different story—one where we learn how to disagree with respect and create communities that are more united despite our differences,” shares Pardes’s Rabba Shani Gross. Shani, based in Berkeley, CA, and her colleague Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield, based in Jerusalem, decided they wanted to be part of the solution to society’s growing divides by teaching the ancient art of “Mahloket Le-shem Shamayim,” or Argument for the Sake of Heaven. Their topic? Israel.
The Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies, a vibrant and inclusive Jewish learning community based in Jerusalem, is dedicated to open and respectful dialogue on critical issues. Through this mission, the Mahloket Matters Miniseries was created. The series includes three webinars, each addressing a different aspect of the Israeli discourse:
July 25: “The Role of Land in Jewish Identity”
Explore the relationship between land and Jewish identity. Delve into whether the Land of Israel is a central element of Jewish practice and identity, and contemplate how Jews who feel differently about this issue can build relationships with one another.
August 1: “What is Zionism Anyway?”
In the 19th and 20th centuries, different Jewish thinkers presented competing visions and concerns about Zionism. Examine these competing ideas and consider which aspects of those visions and concerns have or have not been realized since the creation of the state in 1948.
August 8: “Can Zionists and Anti-Zionists Share the Same Tent? Should They?”
Discuss what connects us as a people and explore the variables that might cause different ideological groups to either seek connection with each other or decide to cut ties.
Each session features a forty-five-minute discussion between Shani and Zvi followed by a lively fifteen-minute Q&A. The sessions will incorporate text study and are designed to present multiple perspectives, fostering a more nuanced and engaging understanding of the issues. At Pardes, we believe that Jewish texts hold invaluable wisdom that can guide us in navigating these complex discussions and in building stronger, more united communities.
“We believe that the beginning of healthy discourse is saying yes to talking about these tough topics,” says Shani. In this free and beginner-friendly series, Rabba Shani and Rabbi Zvi will model constructive disagreement and how to engage productively with those with whom we disagree.
Join us for the Mahloket Matters Miniseries and experience a fresh, engaging approach to discussing Israel!