Interactive Program on Mahloket L’shem Shamayim (Disagreement for the Sake of Heaven) – approximately 50 minutes
5 MINS: Study Mishnah Avot 5:17 on mahloket l’shem shamayim (disagreement for the sake of Heaven)
3 MINS: Watch this video
5 MINS: Discuss
5 MINS: Review four recommendations for constructive conflict:
- Debate the issues without attacking people and harming relationships.
- Check your motivation: are you trying to win or to solve problems?
- Listen to the other side and be open to admitting that you might be wrong.
- Consider that you might both be right, despite holding opposite positions
30 MINS: Use the structured conversation manual outlined by Ask Big Questions on the subject How do we disagree?
About Amy Eilberg
Amy is the director of the Pardes Rodef Shalom (Pursuer of Peace) Communities Program, helping synagogues and Jewish organizations place the pursuit of peace in interpersonal relationships at the center of their communal mission. Amy is the first woman ordained as a Conservative rabbi by the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. Click here to read more.
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