Unity and Division
I've been thinking about division within the Jewish community in the wake of Trump’s “disloyalty” comments and how it works throughout history as a function of antisemitism to weaken the Jewish community from within.
Growing up in a (more or less) right wing, conservative environment, and finding resonant community most often in (more or less) liberal to far-liberal environments - the experience of walking in places where people hold extremely divergent political views has shaped my perception of the world. It's necessitated that I learn how to communicate with nuance and precision - which has been a long journey of a lot of humility and listening, and only in recent years am I able to appreciate it for the gift that it is.
I can say from intimate, direct experience of conversing with loved ones who sit on far ends of the political spectrum that WAY more often than not - these people have underlying shared values and experiences (sometimes buried quite deeply) beneath their disagreements: Family. Love. Fear. Wanting to feel safe and belonging on this earth - to name a few. And the expression of aggression or hostility is almost always a result of unprocessed grief, trauma or fear - which we all carry. When we enter into a conversation with this understanding, a willingness to truly listen to the 'other', to check our assumptions and strive to perceive the causes and conditions that may have led another person to where they are - growth, unity, empathy, and potentially deep healing can emerge. I have experienced this. When we come from a place of aggression, blame or force, it never works. Ever. In the long run, it worsens relationships.
There is so much beautiful work being done to promote dialogue between Jews and Palestinians and other nations. And I'm interested in addressing the incredible polarization between Jews and other Jews. When I encounter the resurgence of antisemitism happening in the world right now, I feel that collective trauma and fear still alive inside of myself. The polarization within the Jewish community is dangerous for all of us. How far does this have to go before we will finally acknowledge our common humanity and recognize the shared values that are sometimes, again, quite deeply hidden underneath our disagreements? We all need healing. We all need to learn how to communicate in more refined ways. We need to learn how to Listen - deeply and without agenda - to another's truth. This is not easy. It may be one of the hardest things in the world.
Growing up as a Jew in a small, bible-belt town was an experience of marginalization and loneliness. Some vulnerable truth here: this loneliness has re-surged for me - within Jewish communities themselves - with the emphasis on identity politics over recent years. I have tremendous respect and gratitude for all that's being articulated and revealed because of identity politics - I see their necessity - and I feel that they will be more effective if we can become more aware of the nuance of our expression. In calling each other out/in, are we creating more unity, or more division? I speak of unity and division on every level - within ourselves, within our families, our communities, the world at large.
Being in Israel is complex. I came here to understand more about myself, Judaism, this state, this land - and of course, the more I learn, the less I know. Which is a blessing. Because it's in that encounter with the radical unknowable-ness of life that I feel more in touch with Truth, and where the small voice of my intuition can finally be heard as the endless cacophony of mind-stories quiets. It's no secret that what's happening here is a devastating mess. And I can love it, this 'here', this land, this whatever this is, with a heart that is broken and yet still full.
I'm here for the conversations. I'm humbled to all I don't know and the reality of the complex catastrophes playing out on our news feeds, across the ocean, or in our neighborhoods. Ultimately - I remember who I am and where I come from, the roads my ancestors have walked. I'm grateful for all they've endured and safeguarded so that I can experience the gift of life. It's from this place of deep rootedness in my own stories that I know I can most harmoniously serve the whole. And I will not turn against myself.
I want to be a bridge. I want to be able to speak to all kinds of people and help to enable reconciliation where there is division or perceived incompatibility. I know this isn't everyone's part to play, by any means, but it's mine. I'm here for the Truth, in all it's nuance and complexity and ultimately, profound simplicity. I'm here to discover the deep roots underlying the painful division we're all experiencing, and to help envision a way of moving forward, as a human species on this precious planet, that is sustainable and respectful of the sanctity of LIFE. And I'm very open to learning.