Can We Talk? Part 2: Practicing Courageous and Constructive Conversations About Israel

Building on the principles introduced in the first session, this highly interactive follow-up will give participants the opportunity to put those tools into practice through realistic, everyday scenarios. Working with partners and small groups, participants will strengthen their ability to listen carefully, keep difficult conversations focused and constructive, and respond thoughtfully when someone expresses a view they find challenging, upsetting, or difficult to understand.

Together, we will practice how to remain curious without avoiding disagreement, communicate our own perspectives clearly, and prevent conversations from becoming derailed by defensiveness, assumptions, or escalating emotions.

Participants will leave with greater confidence applying these skills in conversations with family members, friends, colleagues, fellow congregants, students, and others in their communities. Prior participation in the first session is helpful but not required.