Workplace Connections

“Among Jews there are two major tendencies in regard to our relationship with Israel, and perhaps each of us reflects both to some degree. There is the ‘prophet’ tendency that focuses on resistance to any injustice, and the ‘guardian’ tendency which seeks to protect the interests of the Jewish people and to protect Israel from all harm.” --Rabbi David Jonathan Cooper, Kehilla Community Synagogue, Project Reconnections Advisory Council

Facilitation for Polarized Groups

Project Reconnections

Training

Project Reconnections: Intra-Communal Dialogue and Deliberation

"Project Reconnections has served to restore my hope and belief that we really can heal some of the most deeply divisive rifts within our own community. The integrity and wisdom of each participant was brought forth revealing that, while we may hold a diversity of views and approaches, underneath it all, we truly are one people, capable of treating one another with the respect and care we all deserve.” Amy Gup, Former Advisory Council Member, Participant

“For me, the experience was truly awesome. When we started, I didn’t really believe people would participate as openly and honestly as they did. To watch people open their hearts to each other inspires such hope in me. I feel that I’ve learned a lot about the people and groups involved…and I feel better prepared to play an ongoing role in helping to heal our community.” Karen Schiller, Former Advisory Council Member, Participant

Project Reconnections is a pioneering, integrative Intra-Jewish dialogue & deliberation project focused on Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian relationship. Started by visionary Associate Director of the Greater Bay Area JCRC, Abigail Porth, and faciliator Rachel Eryn Kalish, Project Reconnections brings key Jewish leaders from across the political and religious spectrum together in dialogue and deep deliberation. Our goal is to build bridges of connection, deepen trust and the capacity to work together within the Jewish community.

Project Reconnections supports the unfolding of a more inclusive, wider, deeper way of deliberating about the issues surrounding Israel and the Israeli-Palestian situation. Our programs take various forms, depending on the needs of the community, synagogue or group. We offer short faciliated conversations and long-term engagements. Each Project Reconnections program creates a safe environment where the full political spectrum of views can be heard and respectfully questioned with an eye toward the health of the whole community.

We sometimes partner with the Jewish Dialogue Group to offer facilitator training and to build the capacity of key leaders and their constituents for dialogue and deliberation.

Mission Statement:

To convene, inspire, and empower Jewish social justice activists from outside or within the mainstream Jewish community to work together on issues of concern by developing mutual respect and the capacity to listen, learn and challenge each other's view while working on collaborative initiatives in order to strengthen ourselves, our community and our world.