The anger and incivility that characterizes our national discussions of late — on health care, presidential power and a host of other tender topics — is a troubling sign of a fraying social compact. The fabric that binds together the Jewish community is also fraying, as poll numbers show a widening gap between the attitudes of Americans Jews and their Israeli counterparts, and anecdotal evidence confirms a worrying disconnect. Jay Michaelson’s provocative, stirring piece in last week’s Forward, “How I’m Losing My Love for Israel,” was the most-read article on our Web site this past week.

But at least Michaelson had the courage to broach the subject. In many circles, Israel is the topic Jews won’t talk about. A story we heard around the holiday table made this point poignantly: One ongoing Hebrew conversation group recently decided that Israel is the one topic too fraught to discuss.

This calendric moment of reflection and repentance is the right time to focus on the way Jews disregard, delegitimize or even demonize other Jews for expressing heartfelt but challenging opinions. We’re an argumentative people; this is nothing new. But as in the coarse turn of American discourse, our differences are now exaggerated by a lightning-fast culture that amplifies disagreement and makes the search for common ground more elusive. Angry silence only worsens the wound.

Forwarding the News

Thoughtful, balanced reporting from the Forward and around the web, bringing you updated news and analysis each day.

Terms(Required)

I agree to the Forward's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Email(Required)

So we respectfully suggest an addition to the communal confession of sins known as the Al Chet. The long list recited repeatedly on Yom Kippur only obliquely references this issue, when we ask forgiveness for the sins committed by evil talk, passing judgment, causeless hatred, wronging a neighbor. But something is missing.

We need to ask forgiveness for the sin which we have committed before You in forgetting that we are One People.

All of us. We at the Forward also ask your forgiveness to anyone we have wronged or offended in the last year.

G’mar chatima tova.

The Forward is free to read, but it isn’t free to produce

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward.

Now more than ever, American Jews need independent news they can trust, with reporting driven by truth, not ideology. We serve you, not any ideological agenda.

At a time when other newsrooms are closing or cutting back, the Forward has removed its paywall and invested additional resources to report on the ground from Israel and around the U.S. on the impact of the war, rising antisemitism and polarized discourse.

Readers like you make it all possible. Support our work by becoming a Forward Member and connect with our journalism and your community.

This is a great time to support independent Jewish journalism you rely on. Make a gift today!

—  Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO

Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.

$90 $180

$360

Other amount