Join us this summer for a series of three online programs designed to support you and other members of our greater sangha in responding to the crisis in Israel/Palestine with greater empathy, care, and grounding in our teachings and practices. These freely offered sessions, facilitated by teachers Ronya Banks and Donald Rothberg, require pre-registration in order to participate. You may register for one, two, or all three sessions. Return to our retreat calendar in order to view descriptions of the other events in this series.

Session 2: Sunday, August 11th from 5-6:30pm ET

A Dialogue between Teachers and Friends

In session 2 of this series, Donald Rothberg and Ronya Banks will engage in dialogue around their Jewish and Palestinian identities, their family histories, and their own experiences of being Buddhist teachers navigating the complexities of the conflict in Palestine/Israel. During the course of the conversation, they will offer reflections on what has been most helpful to each of them in dealing with painful truths, strong emotions, and difficult conversations. In the last part of the session, participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and offer reflections.

Session 2 is open to all Buddhist practitioners and anyone with a background in contemplative practices. There is no fee for participation and the Zoom link will be shared with registered participants only.

About our teachers

Ronya Banks (she/her) is a Buddhist teacher of Palestinian heritage who is using her practice to process intergenerational trauma and respond to the challenges of this time while maintaining equanimity of all people affected by conflict. Learn more about Ronya Banks.

Donald Rothberg (he/him), author of The Engaged Spiritual Life, is a longtime Southern Dharma teacher of Jewish ancestry who has taught in Israel, traveled several times to the West Bank, and supported efforts to approach the conflict based on Buddhist practice. Learn more about Donald Rothberg.