Hello Friends -
Can war be avoided in the interests of peace? Tragically - a timeless question.
As I write these words in Jerusalem tonight - many of us are waiting, some with bated breath - for the latest news from the diplomatic negotiations between the US and Iran.
Will wisdom prevail over folly?
Will violence replace the prudence of diplomacy?
Will we ever learn from the past to put aside differences and pave the path towards safer and more peaceful futures?
Learning from our histories to make sense of the mess we’re in, and to offer guidance ahead - is what this course is all about. I hope it’s helpful.
This past Sunday, at our second Live online session, we talked about what happens when leaders listen to the wrong advise, ignoring peace-promoting wisdom of experienced elders to prioritize war mongering brash voices instead.
We explored the official biblical story that depicts the start of the deep divide - how David’s Kingdom split into two unequal parts only two generations after the great king’s death. Or is that what happened? We focused on the story of King Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, whose arrogance cost him the crown of the greater kingdom and waged a war that in some ways still goes on today.
Among the quotes we read, were a few from Barbara Tuchman's classic "The March of Folly":
"Rehoboam’s folly was the classic 'march of folly' because he was unable to perceive that the exercise of power depends upon the consent of the governed... He acted as if the kingdom were his property rather than his responsibility…
…The split was the end of Israel’s brief moment of empire... From then on, the two kingdoms were to live in a state of mutual hostility or intermittent alliance, weakened by their separation, eventually to fall prey to the rising powers around them. “
I invite you to watch the full session, and check out the source sheet - both linked below.
Scroll down for info on our next live session + links for more resources.
WATCH:
READ:
Source Sheet "Whip You With Scroptions"
What’s next?
* Next Monthly Session:
Our next LIVE monthly session will be on Sunday, March 22 2026 at 2pm ET.
Check out all future dates, details, year-long schedule and session titles here:
Judaism: Born Divided: curriculum
More about the course and overall goals:
Course Overview Landing Page
* How to Join:
To get the link and join this next LIVE session, get all perks and support this project - please upgrade to become a Paid Subscriber:
Subscribe/Upgrade
Lab/Shul Partners get half off to join as Paid Subscribers. Use this link:
50% Lab/Shul Discount
If you require special assistance or discount please let us know:
Judaismborndivided@gmail.com
* Troubleshooting with Existing Subscriptions?
As some of you have noticed - we are having some technical issues with existing subscriptions that are upgrading to paid status. Sorry! We are doing our best to solve these issues ASAP and appreciate your patience.
If you are trying to subscribe or upgrade and are having difficulties - please let us know at Judaismborndivided@gmail.com and we’ll help resolve.
Got feedback, suggestions, questions - would love them — leave a reply here.
Thank you for joining this journey. Wishing us all much kinder days of rest and resilience - everywhere.
Shabbat Shalom — Peaceful Sabbath, a Purim of meaning making and joy, and a blessed Ramadan.
Rabbi Amichai & the Below the Bible Belt Team
