Israel & World Jewry Track
Bridging the Chasm: From Polarization to Peoplehood.
The Pain Point — We are talking at each other, not to each other.
The relationship between Israeli and American Jewry is often defined by projection rather than connection. Whether due to political disagreements or cultural translation gaps, we often fail to truly "see" the lived experience of the other, leading to a rocky relationship that feels more like a fracture than a bond.
The Solution — Connection through Context.
Drawing on decades of experience with Hillel, the URJ, and Resetting The Table, we move beyond headlines to exploring the deep infrastructure of our relationship. We facilitate the "true listening" required to disagree productively and remain connected—just like family.
Workshop 1
The Human Element: Preparing for Authentic Encounter (Mifgash Prep)
Facilitating the true "seeing" and "listening" required for cross-cultural travel.
Beyond Tourism
Whether you are a US group traveling to Israel or a community hosting an Israeli delegation, physical presence does not guarantee emotional connection. Often, we travel with our own "luggage"—our preconceptions and anxieties—that prevent us from truly meeting the people in front of us.
The "Elemental" Listening
This session is the essential "pre-work" for any delegation. We provide the tools to strip away the projections and facilitate deep listening. Participants learn to separate the "politics of the state" from the "story of the person," ensuring that when the encounter happens, it is not a debate, but a transformative human experience.
Workshop 2
Am Yisrael & Eretz Yisrael
A deep dive into the historical infrastructure of our relationship.
The DNA of the Divide
Why do American Jews and Israelis often view the same events so differently? The answer lies in our different foundational "operating systems." This workshop explores the historical distinction and connection between Am Yisrael (The People) and Eretz Yisrael (The Land/State).
Repairing the Bond
We examine how these ancient and modern foundations influence our current tensions. By understanding the "why" behind our different perspectives, we lower the temperature of the argument. The goal is to move from a transactional relationship to a familial one—where we can argue passionately without questioning our belonging to one another.
From Fracture to Family
Participants move from viewing the "other side" as a political adversary to viewing them as family members—connected by a bond that can withstand disagreement.
Ideal Partners
Jewish federations, Israel engagement organizations, community dialogue initiatives.
We design programs that bridge divides and strengthen the bonds of peoplehood across borders.