Psychologist and professor Kenneth Gergen describes civil discourse as "the language of dispassionate objectivity," requiring respect of the other participants.  Merriam-Webster defines discourse as "the use of words to exchange ideas and thoughts," and defines civil as "polite, but not friendly."  Civil discourse (or the lack thereof) has come to mind quite a bit recently, whether I am following the various presidential hopefuls, reading about opinions on the Iran Nuclear agreement or sitting in meetings in our own Jewish community.

I find myself wondering, where is civil discourse?  It's lacking in the places I'd expect to find it most prominently.  People working for common goals, talking past each other without listening, talking about instead of to their most logical allies.

This week's Torah portion, Ki Teitzei, is a strong reminder of the need for civility. 

This parsha is full of commandments, 74 of the 613 mitzvot in fact.  There is a vast array of commandments covered, including proper burial of the dead, returning of lost objects, inheritance rights, adultery, rape, the duty of the employer to pay employees on time and even laws allowing employees to eat on the job.  This Torah portion is a reminder that the Jewish people pride ourselves on doing what is right and treating others with dignity and respect.  We not only understand civil discourse, but we are obligated to practice it because it is the basis of our covenant with our Creator.

But this parsha also concludes with the commandment to "remember Amalek."  Amalek is the ultimate enemy determined to destroy the Jewish people, and we are eternally vigilant and never naive to the fact that there are always those who wish to see us gone from the Earth.  We cannot defeat Amalek with civil discourse.

I urge us to listen to each other with respect, even with our differences, keeping in mind that we are one people.  We all seek peace and the welfare of our community and the State of Israel, though we may have different perspectives on how to achieve that goal.  We ought to be kind to each other and save our vitriol for the descendants of Amalek.

  Ronit

Ronit Sherwin 

Chief Executive Officer