At Tribe 12, we are hurting. Alongside so many of you, we are scared, confused and angry about the current situation in Israel and Gaza. At Tribe 12, we have felt unsure how to move forward during this time, honoring the wide ranging needs and experiences of our community. Our community is not monolithic – we contain a broad range of perspectives on this issue, and our staff represents that full spectrum of backgrounds and ideologies. And yet, Tribe 12 was created to help people in their 20s and 30s feel less alone and find connection and belonging within Jewish community. Feeling unsure of how best to hold space for our community cannot stop us from acting any longer. This is what brought us together, across our lines of difference, to create a gathering designed with each of you in mind.
This gathering has no litmus tests and no expectation of prior experience, background knowledge or political standing. The only requirement is that you come open heartedly and ready to offer care and respect to everyone gathered in the room.
We will begin as a full community to break bread together (dinner will be served) and share a bit from our hearts. Then, you will have a choice of three small group conversations, each facilitated by a member of our staff, that center around one core emotion we’ve heard echoing in our community: grief, fear and hope. Note that you will pre-select a group when you register but if you change your mind after the opening go-around, as long as there is space you can switch groups.
- Grief – A grief circle facilitated by Tribe 12’s Rabbinic Intern Molly Paul for all who are grieving, whether that be for loss of life, loss of beliefs, loss of community, or something else. This will be a space for all who want to be held in their grief and not challenge the grief of others in the circle, even if its shape might be different from your own.
- Fear – A writing and sharing circle facilitated by one of Tribe 12’s engagement professionals, Matchmaker Danielle Selber, for those who are feeling fear, whether fear for their own safety, fear for the safety of others in Israel and Gaza, fear of antisemitism, or something else. Together we will create a brave container with time for quiet written reflection and for sharing. In this space we will engage in witnessing and honoring rather than challenging each other’s fears.
- Hope – A conversation facilitated by Tribe 12’s Executive Director Rabbi Megan GoldMarche. This will be a space to talk constructively across differences about what should happen next, about what actions you are taking and want to invite others to take to ensure peace and security in the region. You do not have to feel hopeful to enter this space, but you should come ready to share your thoughts, listen to others and ask questions that help you better understand different perspectives. All voices are welcome here and respectful challenges will be encouraged and heavily facilitated.
