Rebuilding Democracy
Challenged by Rabbi Holzman in his 5779 Kol Nidre sermon, NVHC is embarking on a variety of projects that seek to help us rebuild our democracy, from creating a space for open and honest conversation, to inviting engaging and relevant speakers, to action. We do this in covenant with one another – by asking questions, by sharing viewpoints, and by saying “shamati” – I have heard you. We will do this both as individuals and as a community. Together, as a Jewish community, we work to demonstrate that we can begin to overcome the polarization that has taken hold of our country.
Scroll down to view the latest events in our Rebuilding Democracy Project.
Click the links below to read articles about the Project:
Project Components
- Building relationships
- Teaching what is “politics”
- Taking democratic action
- Connecting Jewish wisdom to democracy’s fundamentals
- Addressing bewilderment with Jewish experience in the wilderness
- Elevating cynicism and despair as spiritual issues
- Putting chesed above party
- Hearing ideas fully (shamati)
- Experiencing viewpoint diversity (eilu v’eilu)
- Experiencing diversity in community (kehillah)
- Sanctfying the process with blessing
- Teaching mahloket l’shem shamayim
- Using parshanut to address complex narratives
- Connecting personal aspiration to the text through midrashic process
New in 5780
See the timeline below or check out our calendar for the most accurate program dates & times.
This series is a deep dive on the topic of immigration in the United States using the methodology of the Rebuilding Democracy Project. Emphasis is placed on seeking different and varying perspectives on the topic, from ICE agents to school counselors who work with undocumented children.
On select Friday nights, at Erev Shabbat services, the clergy will addresses issues that are important to the general public, then invite congregants to stay for conversation about the issues after our oneg.
With our VOICE Team, we participate in Get Out the Vote canvassing to encourage people to participate in their democracy regardless of their political party.
The Rebuilding Democracy Project was awarded the Lippman Kanfer Prize for Applied Jewish Wisdom in March, 2019. Click the image above to learn more about our application and the prize!
The COVID Interfaith Call
Published by The Aspen Institute, this article by Rabbi Holzman explores the need for interfaith relationships and leadership at this moment. The article was followed by a moderated webinar conversation between Rabbi Holzman and Pastor Bob Roberts of NorthWood Church.
