In this course, we will enter into the seemingly intractable and contentious conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.

The goal of this course is not to shape a political picture. We will not enter into a debate of irrefutable facts.
Rather, we shall focus on the common truths and shared values that each side of this dispute cherishes.
We will follow guidelines and parameters in our discussions so that divergent views can be expressed.
We will engage, as well,  in a real-life experiment to see if we can talk about these issues without denigrating divergent opinions, without disparaging others who believe differently and without accusing those who believe differently that their views are illegitimate. 

This course is the second part of the course we began last year. Once again, our course will include an examination of relevant classical Jewish texts (in English) on which our class discussions will be based. Each unit is built around a video lecture presented by the faculty of the Shalom Hartman Institute. One need not have taken the first part of this course in order to join this class.

Why enter into discussions on such a volatile topic? Because this divisive conflict lies at the core of much debate both here and in Israel. In addition, this topic may well be the single most important issue that tears at the unity of the Jewish people. Unless we can find ways to discuss with each other that which hurts us the most, especially when we disagree, and find ways to embrace those whose views may differ from our own, we shall de facto give up on that crucial yet fragile notion of the unity of the Jewish people.