What are my sources of strength?

Read the following for context:

It’s not unusual for Jews to feel scared or unsettled when they encounter antisemitism. It might happen at school, on campus, at work, or in the community, and it’s not just one age group that feels it. Teens, college students, adults, and families all experience it in different ways.

Facilitator reads:

Getting through such difficult moments of divisiveness and antisemitic discourse – on campus and beyond – can be a bit easier if we hold onto a deep sense of intentionality. When we are deliberate about and aware of every act that we perform and experience that we have, then we are being intentional. Using a mindset of intentionality can help us as we respond to the thoughts, emotions and opinions of others. It helps shift us from reacting emotionally to being more thoughtful and deliberate.

HOW DO I REACT?

Facilitator reads:

Sarah identified five sensibilities that help students relate to others in such a fraught time and ones that can help them be intentional about their reactions.

They are:

• You’ve learned to seek out facts and get them straight before posting on social media.
• You understand that feelings are not a substitute for critical thought.
• You’ve learned to question your arguments yourself.
• You spend a lot of time listening to others’ thoughts, emotions, and opinions, and they inform your own.
• You have learned to hold these opposing viewpoints, to wrestle with them.

Facilitator reads:

Jewish wisdom has been captured in texts spanning from the ancient Bible and Talmud to the modern State of Israel and Hollywood. Reading and contemplating such texts encourages us to slow down and be intentional in our thoughts and responses.

Click here to use this source sheet of short quotes, and consider how they can serve as a mantra as you navigate the challenging reality.

Facilitator prompts the group:

Now that you’ve reviewed texts from the Jewish tradition that can be used as mantras, now it’s time to come up with one of your own.

• In the space below write a quote/sentiment that can serve as a source of comfort to remind you that you are not alone during challenging times of antisemitism.
• Feel free to adapt a quote from above or find an alternate one altogether and then write it on the note below.
• Next to the quote, include an image that reflects your intention. It could be the image of a person, an event, a piece of artwork, or more.

Facilitator prompts the group:

• Based on the conversation above, what is one immediate commitment you can take that will allow you to be more intentional in how you respond to antisemitic and divisive discourse?

Facilitator prompts the group:

• Based on the conversation above, what is one immediate commitment you can take that will allow you to be more intentional in how you respond to antisemitic and divisive discourse?