In these challenging times filled with uncertainty for both Israelis and Palestinians, we are feeling division across many parts of our lives. It is not surprising that horrific events have brought strong emotions and different reactions have emerged within our personal and professional circles, making it hard to feel heard and to connect across difference. We know, though, that community matters most during especially difficult times.

In support, we’re creating a space where friends and community members can share about what’s in your hearts and on your minds at this moment. The focus won’t be on ideological or political debates, rather, it’s an opportunity to share and to empathically listen to each other’s experiences.

Our professionally trained facilitator(s) will provide a compassionate and empathic space through guidance and modeling. We’ll practice open and kind listening, even if we disagree or have different experiences. We’ll facilitate connection in small groups, with clear ground rules, and there will be moments to share together as a larger group.

Join us in this shared space of understanding, compassion and connection.

Who is This For?

For this event, we are especially guided by the Jewish value of K’lal Yisrael (כְּלָל יִשְׂרָאֵל) “Jewish community as a whole or Jewish inclusivity” as we strive toward pluralism. We want to be explicit in our invitation to members of Jewish community across the political spectrum. We want you here no matter your political position, questions, or activism and as long as you can respectfully and kindly participate in spaces of mixed affinity, politics, and listening. If you have questions about whether this event is for you, you can email Carey at caverbook@jccsf.org.

This is for members of the Jewish community* who are all ages, people who are practicing Jews, who are reconnecting to Jewish life, and who are connecting to Jewish identity for the first time. This is for Ashkenazi, Sephardi, and Mizrahi Jews and Jews with interfaith backgrounds. There will be optional affinity spaces for Jews of Color and for LGBTQIA+ Jews.

*members of the Jewish community includes people who are Jewish, Jew-ish, married/partnered to a Jew, raising Jewish family, exploring conversion, matrilineal and patrilineal Jews, and those who regularly attend synagogue / Jewish community gatherings.