In a time of growing polarization, how can we follow our Jewish tradition’s teaching: “Do not separate yourself from the community”? How can we stay in relationship—even when we deeply disagree? This discussion-based session explores Jewish texts that speak to the challenge of holding community across differences. We’ll draw from biblical visions of justice, rabbinic reflections on disagreement, and contemporary voices from across the Jewish spectrum who complicate the assumptions we may carry about religious and political identity. We’ll read together, reflect in small groups, and ask: What does it take to stay in community with those we don’t agree with—and why is that worth doing?

Robert Kaiser is a father, writer, and science teacher on Boston’s north shore, now in the private sector (lighting technology.) Studying Jewish religious texts and pro-Israel activism have long been his passions. He created the trad-egal Facebook havurah Coffeehouse Torah Talk and website Merrimack Valley Havurah and is on the adult education committee of Congregation Shirat Hayam in Swampscott.