Tuesdays: November 3, 10, 17, and December 1, 2026
11:30-13:30 CET
Tuesdays: November 3, 10, 17, and December 1, 2026
11:30-13:30 CET
We are living in a time when constructive dialogue can feel increasingly difficult. Disagreement can create tension and division in our workplaces, communities and relationships — making the ability to engage across differences an essential professional and personal skill.
BUT HOW CAN WE DISAGREE IN WAYS THAT STRENGTHEN RATHER THAN DIVIDE?
This four-session online Mahloket Matters course, designed specifically for Jewish communal professionals across Europe, draws on Jewish text and tradition, social psychology, and practical conflict resolution skills to offer a structured approach to engaging constructively across differences.
TOGETHER WITH COLLEAGUES FROM ACROSS EUROPE, YOU WILL EXPLORE HOW TO:
● Navigate difficult conversations more constructively
● Engage across differences while maintaining strong professional relationships
● Bring the Jewish value of mahloket le-shem shamayim —
disagreement for the sake of heaven — into contemporary communal life
● Use constructive disagreement to support better decision-making and build healthier, more resilient communal cultures
WHY MAHLOKET MATTERS?
Jewish tradition recognises that disagreement, when approached well, can be a source of learning, growth and stronger relationships. This course translates that wisdom into practical skills you can use in your everyday professional work — within your team, your community and across organisations.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
Jewish communal professionals living and working across Europe.
Participants are expected to attend all four sessions.
Spaces are limited.
Please submit your application by Monday, 12 October.
ZVI HIRSCHFIELD
Zvi teaches Talmud, Halakha and Jewish Thought at Pardes. In addition, Zvi is a faculty member of the Pardes Center for Jewish Educators and has been training and mentoring Jewish Educators for over ten years in Tefilah in educational settings, critical issues in modern Jewish thought, and Israel education.
Zvi holds a B.A. in History from Columbia University and did graduate work at Harvard University in Medieval and Modern Jewish Thought. He studied at Yeshivat Har Etzion in Israel and has rabbinic ordination from the Chief Rabbinate of Israel. He was the director of Judaica at the JCC of Cleveland and an instructor at the Cleveland College of Jewish Studies for many years. He also serves as a curriculum writer and is involved in staff training for the Nesiya Institute. His wife, Dina, is a faculty member of the Hebrew University School of Public Health, and they have four children.
SEFI KRAUT
Sefi Kraut is the Director of Mahloket Matters and has had the privilege of teaching Judaic Studies since 2004. She began her professional career teaching Tanakh to middle school students at a Jewish day school in Paramus, NJ. Upon moving to Israel in 2013, Sefi taught in several gap year programs before joining the faculty of the Pardes Center for Jewish Educators where she is thrilled to be involved in training the next generation of Jewish educators. As the Director of Mahloket Matters, Sefi has co-created a curriculum for teens called, “Mahloket Matters Teens: Navigating Inner Challenges and Societal Discord through Jewish Text and Social-Emotional Learning.” Sefi also develops and teaches Mahloket Matters fellowships and professional development workshops geared to organizational leaders, educators, school administrators, Rabbis, Hillel professionals, lay leaders, and more.
To apply for the course please click here
Priority will be given to applicants who can commit to attending all four sessions. If places are available, then those who can attend three sessions will be considered.
The closing date for applications is Monday 12 October and you will be informed if you have a place by Thursday 15 October at the latest.
Participants are requested to join from a computer rather than a mobile device and to turn on camera mode to fully participate in the course, including breakout room discussions.
Priority will be given to Jewish community professionals living and working in Europe.
Please complete the application form and feel free to contact us at info@yesodeurope.eu if you have any questions.