Shifting Perspectives: How “Conflicts of Interest” Fostered Nuance, Connection, and Deep Learning at Temple Israel
In a world where discussions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can often feel polarizing and divisive, Temple Israel recently created a brave space for education, reflection, and community. Taught by Rabbi Suzie Jacobson, the course “Conflicts of Interest: The History of the Arab-Israeli/ Israeli-Palestinian Conflict“ invited congregants to dive deep into the history, ideologies, and competing narratives of the region using a curriculum created by the I-Center.
The impact of the course was profound, offering participants a rare opportunity to challenge themselves, engage across generations, and emerge with a more holistic understanding of a deeply complex situation.
Grasping the Complexity Through Multiple Narratives
For many participants, the core value of the class lay in its commitment to exploring the history from multiple, often conflicting, angles. Rather than pushing for a singular conclusion, the curriculum allowed students the room to process the history for themselves.
“Engaging with different narratives of the Arab-Israeli/Israeli-Palestinian conflict allowed me to zoom out and widen my view of the region’s history and many challenges,” shared participant Susan Ridker. “As a result, I feel that I am able to interpret current events with more nuance and a deeper understanding.”
Alexandra Haney echoed this sentiment, noting how the course reframed her understanding of modern discourse: “The class didn’t change my mind on many issues, but Suzie let us know that wasn’t the goal. What it did do was help me understand why there appear to be two different sets of ‘facts’ about Israel and Palestine.”
Even for those who have spent decades studying the region, the course offered fresh insights. Sara Selig reflected on the transformative nature of the material:
“I learned things I have never learned before after almost a half-century learning about Israel and after having lived there for a period of time. After learning many perspectives I had not learned before, I feel that I have a better holistic understanding… I am able to have deeper empathy and feel a deeper connection to the land and the people.”
A Framework for Grounded Dialogue
Discussing sensitive historical topics requires a deliberate strategy, and the course succeeded by setting clear ground rules for dialogue from day one.
Rose Goldman appreciated the deliberate framework of the class, noting it was “very effective to start the sessions with the important background writings and videos on how to talk with someone with a different viewpoint,” adding praise for Rabbi Suzie’s ability to invite multiple voices “in a way that invited input from all participants in a non-judgmental way.” Susanna Stern agreed, noting that “Rabbi Suzie excelled at getting us to go deep into the materials and challenge ourselves.” Ted Greenwood also highlighted the value of this deliberate approach, noting the strength of “framing each week… to hold and address complexity.”
The structural format—utilizing small breakout groups—also allowed for a more intimate exchange of ideas. Faye Newfield noted that working together in groups was “very useful,” while Alyssa Frank Reichman enjoyed learning in a setting that “gave me the room to draw my own conclusions.”
Bridging Generations at Temple Israel
Beyond the curriculum itself, “Conflicts of Interest” served as a powerful vehicle for community-building. Convening in two sections, one on Sunday mornings and the other during the week, the class naturally brought together different segments of the Temple Israel congregation, creating a vibrant intergenerational dynamic.
For Kathy Weinman a major highlight was “meeting the many religious school parents who participated.” Parents like Denise Simon and Lonn Drucker expressed immense gratitude for the timing of the class, which allowed them to engage in deep Jewish learning at the Temple while their children were in school.
Looking Forward
The overwhelming consensus from participants is that “Conflicts of Interest” is the exact kind of educational programming needed in the Jewish community today—one that values deep learning, embraces complexity, and strengthens the bonds of community.
As Colin Leitch beautifully summarized, the course was “three-sided without prejudice, helpful, and informative… Glad to participate. Blessings on all concerned.”