Town Squares & Workshops
Town Squares are forums that support participants to have open conversations about Israel on the topics that matter most to them. Led by skilled facilitators from Resetting the Table, Town Squares are an opportunity to engage in conversation across differences in backgrounds and views with honesty and directness. Participants choose a topic to discuss, such as:
- The 50th anniversary of the Six-Day-War/1967
- Settlements, borders, and the two-state solution
- Roles and responsibilities of American Jews vis-a-vis Israel
- Boundaries of 'legitimate' and 'illegitimate' criticism about Israel
Testimonials
“It was great to hear a broad variety of viewpoints in a constructive setting. It broadened my own thinking.”
“it was an extremely worthwhile experience. I especially learned to understand the legitimate points of view of others who differ with me, and realize how much we have in common.”
“Sitting with others in the Boston Jewish community with different views than me was so valuable. Having a strong facilitator and structure and ground rules made it possible.”
“This group opened up an opportunity to express ourselves. The facilitated structured conversation kept the tone civil and allowed for differing opinions to be heard.”
Workshop participants learn practical skills, tools, and programs to build welcoming and constructive forums for difficult conversations on Israel. These sessions are facilitated by veteran educators from Resetting the Table. Since 2013, Resetting the Table’s programs have directly reached more than 13,000 participants in national and local agencies seeking to foster meaningful inquiry and dialogue across divides on Israel. Programs draw on dialogue and facilitation expertise to create channels for participant expression, recognition, honesty, and curiosity.
If you are interested in attending a Town Square or Workshop, please contact us at israel@cjp.org.
Testimonials
“This was a fantastic, eye-opening, and extremely helpful workshop which greatly enhanced my ability to facilitate an honest and constructive dialogue about Israel among people representing different views.”
“Resetting the Table reminded me that it is possible to teach human beings to be more responsible conversationalists. It is possible to help people develop more self-awareness while in a conversation and to guide them to be in true dialogue.”
“The workshop was both intellectually stimulating and heart opening. The multiple exercises in hearing other views and clarifying our own worked for me. I particularly found the opportunity to share stories to be transformational.”
“At the workshop, I had the powerful experience of listening to someone with diametrically opposed political views from my own, and having him listen to me in such a way that a new depth of conversation was opened. That this could happen within about an hour of the group coming together is nothing short of miraculous.”
