Congregation Temple Israel, in partnership with Project Shema and the Anti-Defamation League Heartland, is hosting an interactive workshop for the community titled “Why We Are Polarized and What to Do About It.” The workshop, led by Project Shema, offers Jewish leaders the tools and strategies to navigate difficult conversations around anti-Jewish harm.

Project Shema helps everyone align on shared language to communicate to others who Jews are, what antisemitism is, and how it operates. There will be time for small group discussion and Q&A as we learn to activate and support allies. Participants will leave with simple strategies to help others recognize the complex identities and lived experiences of the Jewish people. 

Why we’re bringing this training to St. Louis for the community:

“As part of my participation in the ADL’s Glass Leadership Institute, I attended a presentation by Project Shema at the ADL Never is Now Conference and was so inspired by their message of depolarization through connection,” said Rachel Leonard, community engagement coordinator at Temple Israel. “It feels like everyone is taking sides right now, on immigration, on higher education, and of course on Israel—these topics are not inherently political, and we must be able to see the humanity in all people, whether we agree with them or not. The only way to bring people over to ‘your side’ of an argument is through connection. I am so excited to bring Project Shema to St. Louis where we can work to build bridges and build a bigger tent,” 

The program will take place on Sunday, June 1 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Temple Israel, 1 Rabbi Alvan D. Rubin Drive. 

This event is open to the Jewish community and is appropriate for ages 14+. Opening remarks will be by Lauren Brenner, board chair of ADL Heartland, and the workshop will be led by Sophia McGree, senior facilitator and coach at Project Shema.

While free, RSVPs are required by Tuesday, May 27 at: www.ti-stl.org/AdultEducation.