Jewish Community Partners

In Jewish communities across the U.S. and here in Memphis, there is a pervasive atmosphere of tension and sadness, caused by the October 7 attack and its aftermath. Even more difficult is the dramatic rise in antisemitism, seen on college campuses and in other public and private spaces.

Federation’s Community Relations Council (CRC) met this moment by hosting a workshop, “Civil Discourse Amid Conflict,” presented by Leora Schaefer, Executive Director, Facing History and Ourselves Canada, and Dr. Steve Becton, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, Facing History & Ourselves. Rachel Shankman, Chair of the CRC Education Committee, brought the workshop to the Memphis Jewish community.

Ms. Schaefer opened the workshop by asking attendees about the feelings and concerns they are carrying during this stressful period. Shelley Robbins shared, “I have felt ill and sick at heart
since October 7.”

Jill Notowich, Co-Chair of Federation’s CRC, added, “I am feeling very sad and vulnerable.” Paul Berz expressed his discouragement, saying, “Antisemitism is a light sleeper.”

Dr. Becton affirmed the attendees’ experiences and emotions, saying “I have been with Facing History for 20 years and the current situation is not like any I have previously seen.” Ms. Schaefer agreed and said, “Everyone is vibrating at a high frequency in this climate and is asking themselves who will make them feel better. The conversations we are attempting to have are more than intellectual – they affect our hearts and our whole beings.”

Ms. Schaefer emphasized, “We cannot have candid conversations when we are not our best selves. One way we can work toward being better versions of ourselves is to have tools for productive discussions.”

She and Dr. Becton introduced the “Quad of Discourse,” which encourages people who are trying to find common ground to come to a conversation to hear, learn, and grow, and to visit a different point of view.

The Quad of Discourse provides four concepts to promote a civil exchange of ideas – humility, empathy, grace, and curiosity. These concepts can create a foundation of safety for a difficult conversation and can facilitate sharing conflicting ideas in an established safe space.

Ms. Schaefer provided context for using the Quad of Discourse, remarking, “If you are attempting to have a discussion with someone who disagrees with your point of view, tell the other person you are interested in learning and practicing humility, knowing that no one has all the answers. And, you are practicing empathy as well, which is really at the heart of any healthy interaction.”

As the workshop concluded, attendees were discussing the Quad of Discourse and how they would use the concepts to address conflicts with friends and family members. Jonathan Frisch expressed his gratitude for the workshop, saying. “I really appreciated having this opportunity to learn and address conflicts in a new way.”