🕊️ Staying Human: Witnessing, Learning, Acting

↓ Jump to Current Programs

בִּמְקוֹם שֶׁאֵין אֲנָשִׁים הִשְׁתַּדֵּל לִהְיוֹת אִישׁ

Bimkom she'ein anashim, hishtadel lihyot ish

"In a place where there is no humanity, strive to be a human."

— Pirkei Avot 2:5

In moments of fear, grief, and moral strain, our tradition does not ask for certainty or unanimity. It asks us to remain human.

Staying Human is a series of programs at Temple Hillel B'nai Torah that invites our community to move through this moment together. Through film, music, conversation, and learning, we create space to bear witness to real lives, deepen understanding, and discern how we respond to suffering without perpetuating more suffering.

These programs are not about reaching consensus. They are about presence, responsibility, and staying in relationship with one another — and with our Jewish values — during a painful and complicated time.

The Arc: Witnessing · Learning · Acting

👁️ Witnessing

We begin by seeing and hearing human stories up close through film, music, and testimony — allowing ourselves to be present with grief, loss, and moral complexity.

📖 Learning

We deepen context through speakers, guided conversations, and shared study — asking hard questions and listening across difference.

🤝 Acting

We explore ways of responding rooted in care, responsibility, and Jewish values. Action may look different for different people, and participation is always invitational.

Two Tracks

Like the Mishnah's masekhtot — distinct paths of learning that each go their own way while belonging to the larger whole — this series has two tracks. Engage one, both, or move between them as programs speak to you.

🔹 IPPC Track

Bringing our whole Jewish selves to the hardest questions of this moment: Israel, Palestine, identity, and responsibility.

🔸 Tikkun Olam Track

Standing with vulnerable people in our communities through immigration justice, healthcare advocacy, peaceful protest, and defending democratic norms.

Different terrain, but the same commitment —
to witness suffering, deepen understanding, and act with responsibility.