The guide below offers some frameworks and shared agreements for structured group conversation as well as some suggested questions.

Hamas’ brutal attack on Israel on October 7th and Israel’s ongoing response has stirred emotions both within and outside the Jewish community. Over the next weeks, as family and friends gather for holiday celebrations, there may be differences of opinion. Here are a few tips from Jewish sources to help maintain loving relationships while disagreeing.

On October 7/23 Tishrei, we watched in horror as Israel experienced an unprovoked attack from the Hamas terrorist organization during what should have been the joyous holiday of Simchat Torah. Hundreds of Israelis have been killed or injured; as a Movement, we pray for the quick resolution of this tragic situation.

As we prepare to enter Shabbat, many of us find ourselves continuing the heartfelt prayers we have been saying for the safety of friends and loved ones in Israel.

A year into our friendship, we sat down to talk about what drew us together. Although we come from different generations - our age difference is 45 years and there will be 32 years between our ordinations as rabbis - we share certain similarities.

Over the last few months, hundreds of thousands of Israelis have taken to the streets to make their voices heard about the proposed governmental reforms to the judiciary, the creation of a civilian national guard, and much more.

After 75 years of having a Jewish State, we find ourselves amidst an unprecedented and deeply divisive crisis. On the surface, this crisis is about Israel's future as a democratic Jewish state, dealing with issues such as separation of powers among the branches of government, how judges are appointed, the roles of religion and state, and the lack of an Israeli constitution.

Here are some ways you and your community can support Israeli democracy and the Israeli Reform Movement during this critical moment.