Dear JCOGS family,
Eight months to the day since October 7, our community is still reeling from the attack and its aftermath. Jewish people around the world are traumatized and suffering. This is true for our members as well. Many of us are feeling sadness, fear, anger, rage, isolation, despair, and hopelessness for Israelis and Palestinians.
Amidst these feelings, what has happened in the aftermath of October 7 is that the Jewish people (and beyond) are increasingly polarizing into separate groups. In this time of increased algorithmic insularity where we are mostly exposed to views that we agree with, what a rare and precious community JCOGS is in bringing together people of different backgrounds. Unlike many Jewish areas in North America, there is no other synagogue for Jews to be welcomed in Stowe. While we cannot be everything to everyone, it is imperative that every Jew in our area feels they have a safe place to belong. And more, they should feel that their voices will be heard with respect.
Reflective of the Jewish world at large, some of our members are acutely attuned to the crisis in Israel and the increase in antisemitism at home and abroad. Some members support the State of Israel’s current policies in the war on Hamas in Gaza. Some are deeply worried about Israel’s future. Some oppose the current war in Gaza and call for a ceasefire and an end to the occupation of the West Bank. Some of our members are active in peace-building and dialogue efforts between Israelis and Palestinians. Many feel conflicted. Everyone is looking to make meaning of this moment.
As in challenging moments, we turn to our JCOGS mission for guidance. As stated in one of our JCOGS core values, Eilu v’Eilu: Diversity As Vitality: “As a pluralistic, egalitarian community welcoming wide-ranging beliefs, identities, and practices, we value human diversity as the source of our collective vitality. We actively listen to and value each other’s perspectives in an environment of mutual respect. We seek to understand differing and even challenging points of view, while celebrating the dignity and unique gifts of each individual.”
We do so well on this core value as a community and have for decades now! Yet on Israel, we have work to do to learn to actively listen and value each other’s perspective. What has become clear to our JCOGS leadership is that there is no way forward without mutual understanding and respect. And maybe, just maybe, on this issue that is dividing the Jewish world, we can collectively change our humble corner of the Jewish world into a beacon for others.
Enter The Listening Project with Andy Robinson: 60+ Conversations with Jews about the Israeli and Palestinian conflict. In response to the attacks of October 7 and subsequent events, Andy Robinson (board president of Beth Jacob Synagogue in Montpelier) took his cue from Erica Heilman of the Rumble Strip podcast, who says, "You can be curious. You can be judgmental. But you can't be both at the same time." So, Andy reached out to fellow Jews, asked a lot of questions, and tried to listen more deeply.
Please join us at JCOGS on Thursday, June 20 and/or Monday, July 29, from 6-8pm as Andy shares what he learned from 60+ conversations: how people are feeling, how they connect with Judaism, their experiences (or not) with antisemitism, their thoughts about Israeli and Palestinian societies, and possible paths to peace and reconciliation. A lite middle eastern dinner from Aladdin will be served.
After sharing his experiences, Andy will facilitate a few listening exercises. What questions would you like to ask each other? Are you prepared to listen without judgment? The presentation also includes a Q&A, debrief with the group, and an evaluation. Andy will help us as a community think about the wide ranging views right now, as well as teach us the skills to listen more actively to one another.
Following the presentations, if you are interested in being interviewed by one of our members, Andy will be training several of our members to do a similar listening project at JCOGS. JCOGS members will interview other members and compile their data, describing what they learned to our community later in the summer/fall. Stay tuned for more information.
Primatologist and conservationist Jane Goodall once said, “Only if we understand, will we care. Only if we care, will we help. Only if we help shall all be saved.”
Let’s begin with understanding. Please join in this listening project. Your voice is so important to us.
L’shalom, towards peace,
Rabbi David and Cyndy Wyatt, president
on behalf of the JCOGS board of trustees
