Please join us on Shabbat Lekh Lekha (October 27-28) as we welcome Rav Hanan Schlesinger, Co-Founder and Director of International Relations for Shorashim/Judur/Roots, a local Palestinian-Israeli Initiative for Understanding, Non-Violence and Transformation.

Speaking Schedule & Topics

"Unlikely Partners for Peace -
A Jewish Settler & A Palestinian Activist":
 Shorashim/Judur/Roots Presentation
with Antwan Saca and Rav Hanan Schlesinger
 Friday Night - 8:30 PM

Hanan Schlesinger is an Orthodox rabbi, teacher, and passionate Zionist settler, who has been profoundly transformed by his friendship with the Palestinians he has met.  His understanding of the reality of the Middle East conflict, and of Zionism, has been utterly complicated by the parallel universe to which they have introduced him. 

Originally from New York, Rav Hanan made aliya at the age of 20 and has lived over the green line, in Alon Shvut, Gush Etzion, for over 30 years. He spent over 10 years learning in Israeli Talmudic seminaries and also studied towards a MA in Jewish Philosophy at Hebrew University. His professional career has been dedicated to teaching Jewish studies in various colleges and seminaries in the Jerusalem area, as well as in different frameworks in Florida and Texas.

It was in Dallas about 9 years ago that he became involved in interfaith work, first with Christians, and then with Muslims. There he founded Faiths in Conversation, a framework for Jewish - Christian – Muslim theological dialogue. The mind-expanding experience of these trialogues inspired him to attempt to meet Muslims and Christians back in the Holy Land.

Although always drawn to pluralism and deeply empathic for the other, Rav Hanan had never formed a personal relationship with a Palestinian until he returned to Gush Etzion about three and a half years ago. The meetings that began then have become far more meaningful than he could have imagined. He found himself part of the small team that founded Roots/Shorashim/Judur and has dedicated himself to bringing reconciliation to that tiny sliver of land that both Palestinians and Israelis call home.

When you register for a meal, please specify in the notes if you prefer a vegetarian meal.