What it is about
Rabbi David Minkus of Chicago’s Congregation Rodfei Zedek transforms an anti-Zionist leaflet incident into an educational podcast, encouraging open dialogue within the Jewish community on Zionism.
By ANDREW LAPIN/JTA
JUNE 29, 2024 03:55
Why it matters
This incident highlights the challenges and opportunities in addressing anti-Zionist sentiments within the Jewish community, shedding light on the importance of dialogue and understanding in contemporary debates on Israel.
Shifting Perspectives
Three weeks after the October 7 tragedy, Rabbi David Minkus was leading a Shabbat service at Congregation Rodfei Zedek in Chicago when anti-Zionist leaflets were discovered in the synagogue’s prayer books. The incident was shocking to the congregation, still reeling from recent painful events.
“It was completely shocking,” noted Minkus. “It’s just weeks after October 7, the pain and the shock were so raw, and you open up the siddur and you find this thing that feels like it’s thumbing its nose at that pain.”
Responding with Inclusivity
Initially, the synagogue decided to ban the Jewish member responsible for the leaflets. However, the response from Minkus’ community, advocating for dialogue and teshuvah (repentance), led him to reconsider this course of action.
Recognizing the broader teaching opportunity, Minkus decided to create a podcast to explore the incident further. Titled “A Leaflet Drops in Shul,” the podcast serves as a platform to discuss the complexities of Zionism and anti-Zionism within the Jewish community.
Promoting Dialogue
“It felt like a story worth broadcasting, literally and figuratively, beyond our community,” stated Minkus. “Because I think we, the Jewish community, generally get things wrong around Israel when it comes to criticism and how to handle dissenting voices.”
The initiative aligns with the broader mission of Mercaz, the synagogue’s new community cultural center—an entity aimed at fostering inclusive and diverse cultural conversations in Chicago’s Jewish community.
Navigating Israel Debates
Minkus acknowledges the heightened sensitivity surrounding Israel discussions, especially following the recent Israel-Hamas conflict. By addressing the issue through the podcast, he aims to practice inclusivity and understand divergent views within the Jewish community.
Engaging with Anti-Zionism
The final episode of the podcast features an anonymized interview with the leaflet distributor, an anti-Zionist convert, who explains her actions and apologizes for the discomfort caused. Concluding the podcast, Minkus has reversed her ban, advocating for dialogue and understanding among Jews holding differing views on Israel.
“I feel that so long as you’re being thoughtful, it shouldn’t matter what you believe,” Minkus said. He emphasizes the need for Jewish communities to engage empathetically with opposing viewpoints, reinforcing the foundational Jewish values of inquiry and introspection.
The Community’s Response
The podcast has been well-received within the congregation, signaling a collective appreciation for thoughtful engagement on contentious issues. Rabbi Minkus’ approach is heralded as an exemplary model for Jewish leaders navigating complex conversations around Zionism.
“That’s what we should be expecting from our rabbis,” added Dan Libenson, the podcast co-host, “that they are thoughtful, that they take Judaism seriously, that they’re not simply acting and reacting.”
This story was first published on jpost.com.