The Orthodox Jewish community, much like the rest of the US, has been splintered by the divisive politics of recent years to the point where families and entire communities are unable to find common ground. How can we approach such disparate viewpoints in our broken world and return to civility, respectful discourse and engagement?

Our first event in this series, “Rebuilding Community: Healing Our Fractured World,” explored some of the differences, starting with research on how Jews voted in the last election and factors underscoring a further tilt to the right among Orthodox and Haredi audiences. 

Not only was there a lot of disagreement between voting blocs, in many cases their views were diametrically opposed, said Mark Trencher, founder at Nishma Research, who presented key data points dividing Jewish supporters of President Joseph R. Biden and Donald Trump. Trump supporters, who ranked Israel and Iran as top concerns, often espoused a “transactional” approach to issues, from religious freedom to lowering of taxes, and do not want the government wading into social issues. Meanwhile, Biden supporters were much more concerned with the coronavirus, economic recovery and bringing the country together, along with addressing long intractable issues such as health care, climate change, race relations and income inequality.  

Which political and ideological divides led to such polarization during a time of great loss and suffering due to Covid-19, and how the two sides might begin to bridge the gaps, took up the lion’s share of the session.

Ultimately, the panelists agreed it was time for more listening, education, and “lowering the temperature” of our public discourse — and using this pandemic period as an opportunity to realize we’re all in this together. 

JADE will continue to explore the issues as well as potential solutions in future discussions

Moderator:

Ari L. Goldman, Professor at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, and former religion writer for The New York Times.

Panel:

• Rabbi Kenneth Hain, Congregation Beth Sholom, Lawrence, NY

• Jacob Kornbluh, Senior Political Reporter, The Forward

• Mark Trencher, Founder, Nishma Research

• Prof. Ester R. Fuchs, Director of the Urban and Social Policy Program at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs

• Rabbi Barry Kornblau, Rabbi, Young Israel of Hollis Hills-Windsor Park, Queens, NY

• Dr. Elana Stein Hain, Director of Faculty and Senior Fellow, Shalom Hartman Institute, North America