I have heard from our JCOGS members how so many of us carry strong and often conflicting feelings about Israel, Gaza, and the wider world we are living in. We hear from you that many feel Israel has gone (way) too far. Others question: “How else do you kill a monster like Hamas? And who are we to judge anyway?” Still others sit in grief, uncertainty, or deep ambivalence. Because we carry such a wide range of feelings, it can feel easier to stay silent, or to hide behind a computer screen rather than show up in dialogue face-to-face.
Most of the time, conversations like these are avoided. They are too painful, too complicated, too divisive. But in this political climate—when polarization is growing, when antisemitism is rising, when the hostages remain in captivity, when Israelis are traumatized and scared, when Palestinians are suffering, and when war and trauma dominate the headlines—it is more important than ever to come together. JCOGS is one of the rare places where we can face these hard topics and still stay in relationship—across our differences. That is our strength.
Courageous Conversations is a chance to do just that: to speak, to listen, and to hold one another through this difficult moment.
Thursday, September 4 6:45 PM Light snacks and dessert 7:00-8:30 PM Facilitated conversation
Using a dynamic “fishbowl” format, we’ll create space for listening, reflection, and honest exchange about Israel, the ongoing war in Gaza, rising antisemitism, and the questions these realities raise for us as Jews and as a community. We’ll also hear from members of our Listening Project about the insights they gained. JCOGS board members will also be participating in order to understand our community needs better.
This is not about winning arguments or convincing each other. It is about daring to express ourselves—and even more, daring to listen.
I hope you will join us for this important evening.
