Sinai Coexist

Sinai Coexist is a discussion, education, advocacy, and action group of Temple Sinai members, rooted in core Jewish values and focused on the goal of peaceful, just coexistence in Israel-Palestine.

Founded in spring 2024 in response to the Israel-Gaza war, we seek a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on self-determination, respect, justice, and security for both peoples.

Our group includes Zionists, non-Zionists, anti-Zionists, and undecided, and we are committed to mutual respect and open minds. Group members learn about and discuss aspects of this complex topic at monthly meetings, plan education and advocacy activities in working groups, and come together attending public events that reflect our shared values.

We meet monthly (usually on the 4th Wednesday of each month) and welcome new members who agree with our guiding principles and core values, described below. For information and upcoming meeting dates, please email us at coexist-steering@googlegroups.com.

Our guiding principles – not open to debate

We care for the lives of all people in the region, both Israeli and Palestinian. We support current calls for an immediate bilateral ceasefire in the Gaza war, the release of all hostages, and the goal of peaceful, just coexistence for all in Israel-Palestine. 

Our core values

• B’tzelem Elohim, all are created in the image of God and should be treated with loving-kindness, respect, and dignity.
• Ahavah, love. “Love your fellow as yourself.” (Leviticus 19:18) Hillel said, “What is hateful to yourself do not do to your fellow man. This is the entire Torah, the rest is commentary. Go and study.” (Babylonian Talmud, Shabbat 31a)
• Tzedek, justice. In the words of Rabbi Mates-Muchin, the phrase “Tzedek, tzedek, tirdof — Justice, justice you shall pursue” (Deut. 16:20) is “part of the bedrock of our sense of purpose and responsibility as Jews."
• Rachamim, compassion and mercy. God chooses mercy for us every year, no matter how we have strayed. In our interactions with our fellow human beings we can mirror God’s choice and forgive others.
• Tikkun olam, repair of our world. We are responsible for living purposeful lives according to our values.

Meeting participation ground rules

• Share the air – wait your turn, limit your speaking time, and don’t speak over others.
• Use “I” statements – speak from your own experience, and avoid generalizing about groups of people without clear evidence.
• Listen respectfully with an open mind – think about your own assumptions.
• Assume good intentions – each person here means well and we all want to get along. We can all make mistakes and learn from one another.
• Respect confidentiality – who said what stays in the meeting.
• In hybrid meetings, say your name before you speak.
• Decisions are made by majority vote.

Resources

You’re invited to view this short list of some of the informational resources that we have found particularly helpful in understanding the long, complex histories of Israel and Palestine.