וְעָשׂוּ לִי מִקְדָּשׁ וְשָׁכַנְתִּי בְּתוֹכָם
וְעָשׂוּ לִי מִקְדָּשׁ וְשָׁכַנְתִּי בְּתוֹכָם
This piece presents two Talmudic texts that explore the idea of consent in the context of two very different kinds of relationships: the relationship between God and the Jewish People, and the relationship between a married couple. Though the language of “consent is not part of the discussion of sexual relationships in rabbinic texts, the Continue Reading »
Recognizing our wrongdoings is important for teshuva, repentance, but it doesn’t complete the process. Maimonides explains: “What is complete repentance? One who once more had in their power to repeat a transgression, but separated themself from it, and did not do it because of repentance—not out of fear or lack of strength.”1 Such transformative repentance Continue Reading »
This piece invites exploration of the very concept of institutional abuses of power and demonstrates that our classical texts recognize and address the problem of leaders putting the interests of institutions above the safety of individuals. Drawing on Tractate Yoma of the Babylonian Talmud, it highlights insights into imbalances of power, how leadership roles can Continue Reading »
This essay offers a summary of Maimonides’ teachings on repentance, presenting t’shuva (repentance) as foundational to Judaism and as a function of the human capacity for transformation and improvement. Discussion questions are provided to invite reflection on how this core teaching relates to the issue of abuses of power
This piece is a guide to help the reader examine how their institution, organization, or community might be conveying messages about power and belonging without intending to do so. It introduces the concept of a “hidden curriculum”, and shows how the application of this concept can help individuals and leadership teams bring their communities into Continue Reading »
This guided text study walks readers through an extended Talmudic passage that retells the story of King David and Batsheva, demonstrating how the Talmud uses the story of David to invite reflection about leaders who abuse their power. Key insights and questions are provided to spark reflection and discussion.
This text study is based on what was originally a d’var torah (a sermonic teaching) on the book of Ruth, traditionally read on the spring holiday of Shavuot. It highlights the concept of brit, covenant, and the themes of safety and power. Discussion questions invite participants to reflect on the written and unwritten practices and Continue Reading »
In this essay, the author explores the relationship between holiness and guardianship, framing the work of protecting our children as a fundamental moral responsibility for Jewish communities. A version of this essay was originally published as the introduction to the Jumpstart Report, Child Safety First.
This piece brings together classical Jewish texts, ethical concepts, and insights from the psychoanalytic tradition to characterize the kind of ethical relationship that can serve as a foundation for safe and flourishing Jewish communities.
In this piece, the author outlines from her personal perspective the way secondary or vicarious trauma can impact learning about, working on, and responding to abuse and violence, and provides tools for reading and using this Study Guide with an awareness of those potential impacts.
