Year of Civil Discourse
The Year of Civil Discourse empowers Louisville community members to transform difficult conversations into learning opportunities.
Where Disagreement Builds, Not Breaks
The Jewish community in Louisville, like Jewish communities across the United States, faces an unprecedented convergence of challenges related to Jewish identity. We are experiencing a significant rise in antisemitism locally, nationally, and globally. Complex debates surrounding
Israel’s wars and regional conflicts, the evolving relationship between American and Israeli Jews, and an increasingly polarized political environment have placed Jewish Americans at the center of difficult and often divisive conversations.
Within our community, a wide spectrum of deeply held beliefs exists on these issues. This initiative puts machloket l’shem shamayim, disagreement for the sake of heaven, into practice by training community members to hold brave, structured dialogue that seeks understanding. By centering on kavod (dignity), curiosity, and responsibility to one another, it transforms conflict into learning, strengthens relationships across differences, and builds a more resilient Jewish community.
What is the Year of Civil Discourse?
This initiative is led by Community members who want to see a thriving Jewish Community built on respect. No one organization has taken the lead on this, intentionally allowing space for all perspectives, ideas, and discussion.
Upcoming Events
Part Three launches early 2026
PART 1
Training in Constructive Dialogue
November 11, 2025
for Jewish professionals working with a Louisville Jewish organization
November 12, 2025 & December 1, 2025
For Jewish Community Members (18+) Across Louisville
We have partnered with Resetting the Table, a nationally recognized organization that equips communities to have courageous conversations on difficult topics. Their proven approach includes training a core group of community members to engage in, facilitate, and extend constructive dialogue throughout the broader
community.
PART 2
Facilitator Development
January and February 2026
A select group of participants from Part One will receive additional training to serve as facilitators. These sessions will create opportunities for 1:1 in-depth and interactive training.
PART 3
Interactive Speaker Series & Community Discussions
Throughout 2026
Throughout the year, the Jewish community will have opportunities to participate in learning opportunities and public speaker events centered around civil discourse. The program extends to the broader community through facilitated conversations using written materials, films, webinars, and presentations.
Interested in learning more and continuing your engagement?
Resources for Year of Civil Discourse
Flyer
Use this flyer to share information with your community about the Year of Civil Discourse!
Resetting the Table will facilitate the training sessions. To learn more about Resetting the Table, visit here.
Year of Civil Discourse Toolkit
Community Newspaper Article
After a trio of training sessions, the Year of Civil Discourse is officially underway.
Community Newspaper Article
A community-based “Year of Civil Discourse” will encourage reason, not rancor.
FAQs
What is a Year of Civil Discourse?
The Louisville Jewish Community is embarking upon a “Year of Civil Discourse,” an initiative designed to explore complex issues related to Jewish identity through constructive, facilitated dialogue. We have partnered with a national organization, Resetting the Table, to provide training on how to engage in civil discourse on complex topics, how to listen to diverse views for the purpose of deepening understanding (versus convincing others of specific views), and ultimately how to remain connected as a community, even in the face of disagreement.
How Did This Program Come Together?
The initiative came about through the efforts of several individuals and organizations, each of whom was independently developing programs to foster dialogue on important issues facing the Jewish community. Specifically, Rabbi David Ariel Joel of the Temple was collaborating with Dr. David Finke of JFCS on developing a program to give voice to a range of views in Jewish Louisville. Bill Altman was recently appointed Chair of JCRC. He was working with JCRC Director Trent Spoolstra and JCRC Executive Board members to develop a program of civil discourse modeled after a similar program in the JCRC Bay Area. And Rabbi Freed of Kenneth Israel has long sought to build bridges between different parts of the Jewish community on important issues related to Jewish identity. These four groups came together over the last year to put together a coordinated initiative, “A Year of Civil Discourse”. We will be inviting other organizations to participate in the initiative. A Year of Civil Discourse is made possible by the generous support of Marilyn Schorin.
Who is the training partner for the Year of Civil Discourse?
Our training partner for this initiative is Resetting the Table. You can find out more information about them through their website.
Which individuals should apply?
Year of Civil Discourse is open to everyone in the community, affiliated or unaffiliated. This initiative is a community-wide effort and is open to everyone, whether you are affiliated with a Jewish organization or not. We welcome applications from individuals across the community to join the effort and be recognized as participants.
Can other groups and synagogues get involved in The Year of Civil Discourse?
Yes! It is important to emphasize that this initiative is a community-wide effort. We will be reaching out to other Jewish organizations and individuals to become a part of this effort and to be recognized participants.
What are the main elements of A Year of Civil Discourse?
Part One: Train a select group of community members through our partner, Resetting the Table.
Part Two: Select a core group of “facilitators” from the Part One group to receive additional training in facilitation.
Part Three: Bring the program to the broader community through facilitated conversations using written materials, films, webinars, and speakers, etc.
How do I apply to participate in the training provided by Resetting the Table?
Click here to find the Year of Civil Discourse application.
If I’m not selected to participate in the training, can I still participate in the program?
Due to our partnership with Resetting the Table, space in the November training workshops is limited. Applicants who are not selected will still have the opportunity to participate in Part Three: The Interactive Speaker Series & Community Discussions. This series will feature public events and learning opportunities open to the entire Jewish community.
How can I find out more if I have additional questions?
You can ask questions through the ‘Contact Us’ tab below.
Testimonials
“This program made it feel safe for me to engage in dialogues I would typically shy away from. I walked away with concrete tools to help!”
“I loved how this program brought so many professionals working in the Jewish community together under one umbrella. It was wonderful to feel that collective energy and shared purpose. I’d love to see more programs like this in the future—especially ones that also give us the chance to step outside our own teams and learn from others within the community.”
“This program provides real life skills to be a better communicator and enhance relationships through respectful listening and understanding.”
“Learning to train myself to actively listen in order to gain insight and ask clarifying questions is a practice that I can take with me as a classroom educator and a leader in my union work. It’s incredibly important that we step out of our echo chambers and begin to have open dialogues if we want to live Tikkun Olam.”
Interested in learning more and continuing your engagement?
Connecting Jewish Louisville Through Dialogue
Do you have questions about how to get involved in the Year of Civil Discourse in Louisville? We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re interested in volunteering, joining the mailing list, proposing dialogue topics, or offering financial support, please fill out this form and we will respond within 48 hours.
This initiative is led by community members:
Bill Altman, Jewish Community Relations Council
Rabbi David Ariel-Joel, The Temple – Congregation Adath Israel Brith Sholom
Dr. David Finke, Jewish Family & Career Services
Rabbi Ben Freed, Keneseth Israel Congregation
Year of Civil Discourse is supported by
