It is hard to know how, when, or even if to speak up when confronted with ideas which differ from your own.
As a fellow at Pardes North America, Julie Kaplan, working closely with local Rabbi Monica Kleinman, learned techniques of civil discourse from a Jewish perspective through the course Mahloket Matters, How to Argue for the Sake of Heaven (Mahloket L’Shem Shemayim). She plans to share what she learned through three different opportunities for the community.
By using pillars of discourse based on the examples of civil discourse by the schools of Hillel and Shammai in Jewish history, as well as bringing in modern values-based psychology and studying brain physiology, people can learn how to recognize other’s perspectives and how to respond with Jewish values such as chesed (kindness) and shalom bayit (maintaining peace in the home). Mahloket Matters provides tools for approaching one of these difficult situations.
Kaplan will be offering three opportunities for the Kansas City Jewish community to learn more and grow through this process. On June 27 at 9 a.m., she will host a learning session at Congregation Beth Torah, with a Zoom link available upon request. There will be a second opportunity on Aug. 20 as a Day of Discovery offering. Finally, there will be a Strangers No More interfaith session on Sept. 21 at 10:30 a.m. at Westbrooke Church (96th and Antioch). The opportunities’ goal is to have attendees walk away with a greater understanding of their own approaches to tough subjects and an ability to understand others’ differing views — skills applicable in a politically and socially contentious environment.
During the fellowship, Kaplan, along with other lay leaders from across the country, learned with Pardes faculty how Jewish texts and tradition can help us foster dialogue between individuals with diametrically different viewpoints.
For example, the Torah teaches that Korach and his compatriots led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron’s leadership. A close reading of the texts can show how communication broke down between the two parties and give insight as to how to approach someone else if a difficult conversation is anticipated.
Also, Pharaoh’s fear of the Israelite people as a nation, and not individuals, can show us how xenophobia is not a modern phenomenon. The course discusses “cancel culture,” differing priorities on hot button issues, and how to make decisions in a uniquely Jewish fashion.
The course holds up Hillel and Shammai as examples of those who can disagree, sometimes vehemently and on high order issues, and still remain friends and colleagues. Mahloket Matters shows that despite people’s wide array of motivations, opinions, and conclusions, there is still room for compassion and kindness.
More information is available by emailing Kaplan at or contacting for the Zoom link for the June 27 opportunity.
