Be An Ally
A Jewish Perspective on PTU’s Strategy
As I sit down to write this, I am struck by how much has happened over the last many months. This country and our world are experiencing hatred at an alarming rate. Whether it is between political parties, racial groups, or religions, we are more segregated than we have been in years. The divides between…
Read MoreWhen to Speak
I asked my Jewish and Muslim friends what they thought I should do at Holden in this week. Should I lead a study of the Christian scriptures or not? We all agreed that people had listened well, had been respectful, and curious when they engaged with both Islamic and Jewish teachings. But then my partners agreed with this: We need Christian leaders to model how to be Christian AND to be in conversation with, and to learn with, people of other traditions.
Read MoreForgive Us Our Sins
I have been reflecting and meditating on Pope Francis’s public apology for the role of the Roman Catholic Church in Boarding Schools. I appreciate that his leadership will lead to many such reflections. In the course of my work, I talk with leaders of many wisdom traditions. These conversations are really, really fun. Sometimes I…
Read MoreStory of Origin
But the way we tell our stories of origin can dehumanize the wisdom traditions before us, and thus absolve us of looking at the ways our own tradition contributes to or blesses injustice. It can sow seeds of supremacy that later grow and choke out much that is good.
Read MoreBridging Bias and Building Unity
Many leaders of communities of wisdom say that we are entering a difficult and dangerous time. At PTU we want to encourage communities of wisdom to work on both social cohesion and equity. This is the time to bring our deepest wisdoms, the gifts of divine inspiration, human compassion, contemplation, and our best selves to meet the challenges we are facing. I believe we must both bridge bias and build unity because all human beings are human and worthy of respect, no matter our differences.
Read MoreCan You Feel It?
Despair cannot be answered by anything other than loving, collective action. This action is a leap into trust, to almost quote Kierkegaard, that so many are taking today. Let’s feel our feelings, and then go together into our community. Remember that it is okay to take a break. And then remember that there are times when the real rest we need is to sweat for the common good with all our strong, sensitive siblings.
Read More