For many Jews, the phrase “Never Again” is most closely associated with Holocaust remembrance. A workshop coming to Central Reform Congregation on June 14 will invite participants to explore what that phrase means in today’s world through discussions of Jewish teachings, history and community action.
How the workshop developed
The workshop grew out of conversations CRC members began having earlier this year. Rabbi Randy Fleisher said the congregation hosted a meeting in January and that he later attended a Jewish conference in Washington, D.C., where he was introduced to Freedom Trainers.
“It was clear that everyone wanted to find ways to get involved,” Fleisher said.
After attending a session led by Freedom Trainers, Fleisher said, “It made sense for us to have a similar training here in St. Louis at CRC.”
Understanding ordinary compliance
The workshop will examine Jewish teachings, historical examples and what organizers describe as “principled non-cooperation.”
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A central concept of Goldschmidt’s presentation is “ordinary cooperation,” the idea that large systems rely on the participation of individuals and institutions in order to function.
Goldschmidt referenced the work of political scientist Gene Sharp, whose writings on nonviolent resistance argue that authoritarian systems depend on the cooperation of institutions and ordinary people.
“An authoritarian alone does not collect the taxes, does not make sure the trains are running on time, doesn’t do the farming or the labor,” Goldschmidt said. “They have to be supported by all these pillars of the country.”
Participants also will discuss what organizers call “principled non-cooperation,” a concept that examines ways people can respond when they believe institutions or systems are contributing to injustice.
Jewish teachings and civic action
Goldschmidt said the workshop draws on Jewish teachings and history, including “pikuach nefesh,” the obligation to preserve human life, as well as examples from the Purim story and other Jewish sources.
“The whole point of this is being able to identify authoritarianism, being able to see the future of it, being able to look at examples around the world and having very clear ways to navigate it as individuals and as a collective,” Goldschmidt said.
Goldschmidt’s professional background is in music therapy and music will also be incorporated into the afternoon program.
Event information
What: From “Never Again” to Now: Jewish Community, Courage and Non-Cooperation
Who: Daniel Goldschmidt, Freedom Trainers
When: Sunday, June 14, from 2 to 5 p.m.
Where: Central Reform Congregation, 5020 Waterman Blvd.
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