Each year on Yom Kippur, we gather at the JCC as a community to engage in conversations that connect timeless Jewish wisdom to the most pressing issues of our day. This year’s program, From Division to Renewal: A Conversation on Forgiveness and Democracy, invited us to explore how the themes of reflection, forgiveness, and renewal might serve as guiding principles in the arenas of politics and journalism, which often shape the national dialogue on many difficult issues.
Moderated by our own Rabbi Hindy Finman, the panel featured PA Representative Dan Frankel (D), journalist Jon Delano, and former PA Representative and current senior advisor for government relations at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, Carrie Lewis DelRosso (R). Together, they offered thoughtful perspectives on how these sacred themes can help us chart a path forward during times of deep division and harmful rhetoric. Judy Clack of the League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh added practical insights on strengthening democratic participation at the grassroots level.
Our esteemed guests reminded more than 100 of us in attendance that restoring the foundations of democracy requires all of us: to bring greater tolerance, empathy, and curiosity to conversations with those we don’t agree with and to actively seek points of commonality; to refuse to spread mis and disinformation; to check multiple sources instead of believing everything we read or hear; and to encourage leaders who truly value civic engagement to step forward and run for office.
A powerful moment came when we recited together a version of the Al Cheit prayer which was adapted for our times. Among other things, we confessed: for staying silent when voices of hate grew loud, for holding grudges longer than we hold hands, for scrolling instead of conversing, for choosing division when unity was possible. In these words, we found both a mirror and a map – concrete reminders of the work before us if we hope to repair divisions and restore mutual respect.
As we move forward from Yom Kippur into this new year, may we carry with us the conviction that forgiveness and renewal are not only personal pursuits, but communal imperatives. And may we remember that to be a neighbor is not simply a matter of geography, but a moral calling to see one another’s humanity first.
Wishing you and your families a Shabbat shalom,
Jason
