From the Diary of a Rabbinic Peacemaker: Case Study of a Traditional Jewish Process of Reconciliation and Conflict Resolution
Abstract:
Judaism, like other ethnic and religious groups, preserves a rich lore of traditional systems for conflict resolution. This paper will explore a fascinating case study from eighteenth-century Italy preserved in the personal diary of Rabbi Ḥaim Yosef David Azulai. This case study is an important example of traditional Jewish peacemaking, as it presents a rare window into the inner thoughts of a highly respected, religious peacemaker as he engages in a long and grueling process of communal reconciliation and conflict resolution. The study also addresses several critical questions for scholars and practitioners interested in traditional systems of conflict resolution today. These include: How can a visiting third-party peacemaker establish trust and lasting peace in a local community conflict? How does a traditional peacemaker strike a healthy balance between his peacemaking efforts and his own spiritual and personal well-being? How can ritual space and sacred time be utilized in fostering peace? What should come first: shalom, the reconciliation of relationships; or peshara, the formal compromise agreement that addresses conflicting claims over tangible resources? This paper will also touch upon similarities and differences between this case study and other traditional systems of conflict resolution, in particular the Arab-Islamic sulha process. Finally, the author will share personal reflections on how this case study of a historical rabbinic peacemaker has been used in the training of rabbis today to serve as peacemakers.
Read or download full paper:
Journal of Living Together, 6 (1), pp. 43-52, 2019, ISSN: 2373-6615 (Print); 2373-6631 (Online).
@Article{Roth2019
Title = {From the Diary of a Rabbinic Peacemaker: Case Study of a Traditional Jewish Process of Reconciliation and Conflict Resolution}
Author = {Daniel Roth}
Url = {https://icermediation.org/jewish-process-of-reconciliation/}
ISSN = {2373-6615 (Print); 2373-6631 (Online)}
Year = {2019}
Date = {2019-12-18}
Journal = {Journal of Living Together}
Volume = {6}
Number = {1}
Pages = {43-52}
Publisher = {International Center for Ethno-Religious Mediation}
Address = {Mount Vernon, New York}
Edition = {2019}.