NOTE: All information from the folkhögskola will be sent in Swedish.
Coexistence, Polarization and Difference: Jewish Perspectives (online)
In this course we will explore the notion of coexistence in an era increasingly polarized and uncivil. To aid us in our inquiry, we will focus upon the ideas of difference and disagreement, and will work to clarify how we may personally and philosophically understand such terms today. As we shall consider in our time together, critically reflecting upon “difference” and “disagreement” may constitute a form of conflict prevention and/or de-escalation, with relevance not only for politics, but also for our interpersonal relationships with friends, family, and co-workers.
As such, exploring the multiple meanings of “difference” and “disagreement” may complement the more step by step approach of many mediation techniques today, wherein dispute resolution progresses in an orderly fashion and culminates in the signing of an agreement between parties. Indeed, this process may help resolve disagreements that have an immediate, short-term, and identifiable cause. However, in contexts of political polarization hateful rhetoric and uncivil behavior often frustrate dialogue from the start, realities which highlight the need to think through alternative approaches.
To inform our journeying into the robust meanings of difference and disagreement, we will root ourselves within the Jewish tradition and specifically, within the thought of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks (1948-2020), and to a lesser extent that of Martin Buber (1878-1965) and Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel (1907-1972). To supplement our exploration, we will turn to paradigmatic instances from the Talmud, and when appropriate we will also consider insights from other religious traditions and academic disciplines.
The course is given in English, in collaboration with Paideia – The European Institute for Jewish Studies in Sweden.
Course structure
This course will be interactive and discussion-based and focuses upon the study of short texts (as accompanied by open-ended questions). Participants will be encouraged to reflect through writing exercises and journaling, and to share (voluntarily) personal experiences and encounters with disagreement and difference. We will give special attention to the current tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas war (as well as polarization within Israel itself as tangible case studies), but will also consider instances in the workplace, and within our own homes as well.
Prior knowledge
No prior knowledge is required, but it will be beneficial if participants will arrive with a desire to think about polarization today and as well as possible responses or solutions. This course is open to all those interested and concerned about the consequences of a lack of civil discourse today and curious about learning from others who may hold an opinion different than our own.
Course material
Course material is included in the cost for this course.
About the teacher
Jordan Spencer Jacobs is a Phd candidate in Religious Studies at the Universidad Complutese in Madrid focusing upon contemporary Jewish thought and dialogue, and has worked professionally in the fields of peacebuilding and restorative justice in public schools. A trained mediator, he holds an MA in Conflict Resolution and Coexistence from Brandeis University, and is originally from Southern California. He enjoys cooking, writing, gardening, and photography, and has lived a past life as a chef in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. He currently resides in Malmö.
Photo: Canva/Hanna Reichel
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