Rabbi Sharon Brous, #1 most influential rabbi in the US, discusses finding solidarity and healing among Jewish American and progressive communities of color in the wake of Israel's war in Gaza. Topics include overcoming trauma, uniting against bigotry, and imagining new possibilities.
Compassion and curiosity are crucial in fostering healing and understanding across communities experiencing pain and trauma, such as in the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Addressing divisions within Jewish American communities, particularly between younger and older generations, requires finding common ground and honoring the historical context and dreams expressed by both groups.
Deep dives
The Importance of Connection and Compassion
In this podcast episode, Rabbi Sharon Broughs discusses the profound longing for connection that exists in society. Loneliness is not only a personal issue but also a societal problem that can impact democracy. Broughs emphasizes the need for compassion and curiosity in engaging with each other's pain and sorrow. By turning towards each other, rather than retreating, and asking open-ended questions, we can foster healing and understanding. This approach is particularly relevant in the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict, where the trauma and core narratives of both Jews and Palestinians need to be acknowledged and explored. By recognizing shared values and experiences, we can work towards a collective liberation and a just future.
The Danger of Fissures and Divisions
Within Jewish American communities, there are growing fissures and divisions, especially among the youth. Rabbi Broughs highlights how different generations perceive Israel differently, leading to conflicting perspectives. The younger generation often questions Israel's actions and is disheartened by what they perceive as a lack of effort towards peace. Broughs stresses the importance of addressing these divisions by finding common ground and meeting on core values. By honoring the sorrow and dreams expressed by young Jews and understanding the historical context of older Jews, there is an opportunity to bridge the gap and build empathy and understanding.
The Threat of White Nationalism
The podcast episode recognizes the alarming rise of white nationalism and its exploitation of divisions within different communities. Rabbi Broughs highlights the need for solidarity among diverse groups, including Jews, Black people, Latinos, and LGBTQIA+ individuals, in the face of this threat. By overcoming internal divisions and focusing on shared interests, such as the safety and well-being of children, there is an opportunity to unite against this common danger. Broughs emphasizes that unity is crucial for combating the machinery of anti-Semitism, which historically has been used to drive wedges in movements for justice.
Healing through Connection and Empathy
The podcast underlines the healing power of connection and empathy. Rabbi Broughs emphasizes the importance of seeing each other's pain and engaging with curiosity and wonder to understand each other's experiences. By reaching across divides and finding shared values, it is possible to build a future together. Broughs urges moving beyond Shiva, the period of mourning, to recognize that collective liberation requires coming together and dismantling divisions. The aim is to foster compassion, curiosity, and engagement to address current challenges and create a just and peaceful society.
Rabbi Sharon Brous, who was named the #1 most influential rabbi in the US, joins Wajahat to see if there's a path towards solidarity and healing among Jewish American communities and progressive communities of color in light of Israel's ongoing war in Gaza. How can our communities overcome their respective trauma and anger to unite against rising bigotry and white nationalism? How can people find connection and healing despite all the pain? Brous provides insight and reflections from personal experience and ancient wisdom to imagine new possibilities.