The Way Forward: Compassion, Curiosity, and Grace

"It is precisely when we are most inclined to pull away from each other that we actually have to turn towards each other. And when we do, we turn toward one another, with compassion, with grace and with curiosity."

- Sharon Brous, Founder and Senior Rabbi, IKAR

Why is it that the 'other' is so alarming? Could it be that this fear stems from our own doing? Loneliness is the biggest epidemic our time. This isolation not only causes despair within ourselves, but creates concern of the world around us.

In light of the rising conflict between Israel and Palestine, Sharon Brous, Founder and Senior Rabbi of IKAR, shares, "We are going through a crisis of three intersecting trends right now: a crisis of spirit, of body, and also, of our society."

How do we respond to such crises? Sharon leans on the critical importance of love, support, and the cultivation of genuine connections on the path towards peace building and resolution. By amplifying acts of kindness, fostering environments conducive to healing, and engaging in reflective practices that honor the complexities of our shared humanity, we can transform the darkest moments into opportunities for growth, understanding, trust-building, and transformation. The strength of humanity shines brightest in times of adversity, serving as a beacon of hope and resilience.

More from the Action Forum: Watchmore talks on leadership, bridging divides, and driving positive impact from the 2024 Resnick Aspen Action Forum.