Written by Jason Kunzman and Maggie Feinstein, Executive Director of the 10.27 Healing Partnership
This was another busy week for us at the JCC. From weekend performances of the Bach Choir of Pittsburgh to Teacher Appreciation Week inside of our early childhood centers, where we unveiled our brand new teacher’s lounge in South Hills, and our first-ever participation in the Mini/Junior Maccabi Games with nearly 50 Pittsburgh athletes taking home 16 medals in total, there was certainly something for everyone of all ages and interests.
And on May 3, our community had the privilege of welcoming Rabbi Angela Buchdahl to Pittsburgh for a powerful and deeply resonant conversation. Her visit offered not only inspiration, but also a meaningful framework for how we might engage more intentionally with one another and with the world around us.
While in discussion with Shannon Perrine and in response to a number of questions from those in attendance, Rabbi Buchdahl touched on a number of important themes – from using resilient listening and approaching difficult conversations with an intent to understand, the unique and important perspective women bring to leadership, recognizing the dignity of every human while still insisting on accountability and truth, grounding ourselves in values rather than certainty, and the joy of chevruta-style learning through which new thoughts and opinions are likely to emerge.
At the center of her message, though, was a powerful reframing of what it means to welcome the stranger. Drawing on the biblical story of Abraham inviting three mysterious travelers into his tent and her own family experience, Rabbi Buchdahl shared how her mother, an immigrant to the United States, created a deep sense of belonging not by waiting to feel at home, but instead through radical hospitality and hosting others in the family’s home in Tacoma, WA. By opening her door, she intentionally transformed herself from outsider to connector.
While with us in Pittsburgh, Rabbi Buchdahl challenged us to adopt a similar mindset. When we feel out of place, actively seek out someone who may feel even more secluded. In doing so, we afford ourselves the opportunity to shift the dynamic from isolation to connection, from othering to belonging.
This approach feels particularly relevant today. At a time when it can be tempting to retreat, build walls, or define ourselves by difference, our tradition calls us to do the opposite – to go outward, to create space, and to restore faith in one another through small but meaningful acts of connection. May we all draw upon Rabbi Buchdahl’s energy and passion to actively create and draw strength from environments – in our homes, our buildings, our programs – where people feel seen not despite their differences, but because of them.
Wishing you and your families a Shabbat shalom,
Jason and Maggie
