JULY 27• 2023 | 7
Sotah 7:12).
We take a stand on the
important issues of our day,
and we strive to do what is
right; at the same time, we
actively seek to understand
multiple perspectives because
we humbly accept that only
God knows the best paths
forward.
At the Hartman Institute,
we put these texts into
practice. After studying
with Hartman’s outstanding
faculty, we as rabbis from
Orthodox, Conservative,
Reform, Reconstructionist
and Israeli backgrounds
wrestled with some of the
greatest challenges facing
Jews and the world today.
Most importantly, we
respectfully listened to
each other and gave each
other the benefit of the
doubt. We sought truth and
we practiced compassion,
understanding that the tone
and tenor of our arguments
are just as important as their
content.
This form of pluralism is
at the heart of the mission
of the Shalom Hartman
Institute, and it is this kind
of learning and discussion
that I try to bring to my
role as a spiritual leader
of Congregation Shaarey
Zedek of Southfield. We
are stronger as Jews when
we engage with each
other respectfully and
compassionately. We would
be stronger as Americans if
we could do the same as well.
Republicans and
Democrats are not enemies;
we are partners in building
a nation committed to life,
liberty and the pursuit
of happiness for all U.S.
citizens.
Now more than ever, we
Jews must follow the example
of ancient and modern rabbis
to deepen communication
among those with opposing
views by practicing respectful
dialogue. Moreover, we must
model this counter-cultural
behavior for our fellow
Americans to see. Let us each
make for ourselves a heart
of many rooms to consider
the desires and fears of our
fellow citizens.
Rabbi Aaron Starr is a spiritual leader
at Congregation Shaarey Zedek in
Southfield and is a Senior Rabbinic
Fellow of the Shalom Hartman Institute.
This is the first in a three-part monthly
series.
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WE ARE STRONGER AS JEWS
WHEN WE ENGAGE WITH EACH
OTHER RESPECTFULLY AND
COMPASSIONATELY. WE WOULD BE
STRONGER AS AMERICANS IF WE
COULD DO THE SAME AS WELL.