Upcoming Events
Introductory Dialogues in Philadelphia and New York -- Spring 2010Would you like to have a constructive, respectful conversation with people whose views about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are different from yours? Are you interested in talking about your experiences, feelings, convictions, and questions in an environment that promotes mutual learning?
The Jewish Dialogue Group invites Jews of all perspectives and backgrounds to our upcoming introductory dialogues.
When and Where: These dialogues will take place on weekday evenings or Sundays in Philadelphia and New York City. Each dialogue will last about 2 1/2 hours. Exact times and locations are to be determined.
Who: These gatherings will give you an opportunity to talk with other Jews who have strong feelings about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and related issues, including both people who are like-minded and people whose perspectives may be very different from your own. The dialogues will be useful to you whether you feel certain about your views or you feel more ambivalent or confused.
What: You will have the chance to:
- share your perspective on Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
- learn
about perspectives different from your own
- reflect on your own experiences, feelings, ideas, and questions
- hear about resources you can use to foster constructive dialogue in your own community as well as opportunities to take part in additional JDG programs
To Register: Please use our online registration form to sign up, and we will get back to you about scheduling as soon as possible.
Questions? Email us at info@jewishdialogue.org or call 215-266-1218.
What to Expect
In
our dialogue programs, JDG leaders facilitate intimate conversations
in small groups. The facilitators set up structure for the
conversation and pose specially designed questions that help
participants speak and listen in a manner that fosters mutual
understanding and reflection. We encourage you to explore your
differences, seeking to understand them more fully, but not to
persuade one another or to seek consensus or compromise.
Our dialogues invite participants to speak about several questions:
how the conflict has affected you, and experiences that have shaped your responses to the conflict
what is at heart of the matter for you -- how you see and feel about the situation, your hopes and fears, and any commitments or sense of obligation that you feel
questions you are wrestling with, and any areas of confusion or uncertainty
Each participant has the same amount of time to address these questions. Next, participants engage in less-structured discussion in which you can ask each other questions, respond to one another, and build on ideas that have come up.
All participants will be expected to observe the following ground rules:
-
Listen attentively.
- Speak honestly in ways that promote learning and genuine inquiry.
- Seek to understand each other.
- Refrain from explicit or implicit attack or persuasion.
- Omit language that any participant experiences as disrespectful.
- Treat what others say as confidential.
About
the Jewish Dialogue Group
The
Jewish Dialogue Group is a grassroots organization working to promote
constructive dialogue
within Jewish communities about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and
other controversial issues. Our board members, staff, and volunteers
have many different political perspectives. As an organization, we do
not take positions on any issues, but focus solely on promoting
dialogue. Since 2001, we have led nearly 250 dialogues in synagogues,
schools, and other venues across North America and in Israel. We also
train facilitators, create
publications to help people lead dialogue programs of their own, and
consult with people who are engaged in dialogue work.
