Soulfood – with Rabbi Josh Rose of Har HaShem and Rabbi Gavriel Goldfeder of Aish Kodesh – wanted to have an event for their 25-40 year old constituency about Israel.  The idea was to present a panel featuring AIPAC and JStreet, two major Jewish lobby groups, each with a distinct political orientation.  Surprisingly, both groups replied that they don’t do panels.

The rabbis feel this is indicative of a type of conversation about Israel that leaves no place for listening, interaction, and understanding of different – even opposite – positions.  Does each organization genuinely feel that it is seeing things “the right way,” so much so that there is no longer any need to entertain comments and questions?  Many people approach their personal political views the same way, throwing around labels of “left” “right” “hawk” “dove” “zionist” “pro-Palestinian” to fend off people who disagree.

On Sunday, February 20th at 7:30 PM at Falafel King on Pearl Street, Rabbis Rose and Goldfeder will guide a conversation about how we do – and don’t – talk about Israel.  The event is intended for 25-40 year olds.  Space is limited to 30 people – please RSVP to info@boulderaishkodesh.org.  Attendees will get $2 off their order (please arrive earlier to get food).