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| Outside Chance |

Outside Chance: Chapter 22 

"You can do better, Chana. Yehudis, who made your community, deserves better. So does the shul"

 

"I know this is our last class, everyone is looking to congratulate each other and move on.” Cliff paused to beam smugly at us. “But I have one last exercise I want you all to try.”

Cliff had us huddle in circles. I made sure I was sandwiched between Lana and Deirdre.

We looked at each other and then back at him. If this had been the first class I would’ve been distracting myself by shuffling through my pocketbook, but I’d come to respect Cliff and the work he does, even if he is too cocky for my taste.

“The world is a divisive place today,” Cliff continued. “You’ll often find yourself in situations with someone whose view differs from yours. In a modified high school debating style, I’m going to assign a position to you that you need to defend, regardless of what you believe — it’s an exercise in perspective taking.

“But even as you defend your position, you also need to acknowledge the other person’s perspective. Don’t obliterate him. Allow him to be heard and understood, even if his position is not something you accept. I want you all to practice being civil even when passionately defending your position.”

Cliff was right, the world is so divisive these days. Why open a wound when we were all ready to wind down? But Cliff was already offering a bowl with slips of paper to everyone so they could select their position.

“We’re going to be working fast, you have just five minutes to consider your argument, anticipate the other side, and figure out how to counter it kindly. You’ll have one minute to present and 30 seconds for rebuttal.”

He offered me the bowl, I withdrew a slip, holding my breath as I unfolded it. I’m likely the most politically conservative person here. And what if it’s something I hashkafically can’t even hypothetically defend?

Government is not a charity and should not offer a safety net: defend. I breathed. This wasn’t too controversial, no presidents or lives under the microscope. Lana unfolded her paper and raised a brow. Wonder what she got.

“Okay, everyone!” Cliff clapped his hands. “Your five minutes starts now.”

Most people took out their phones to research or take notes. My dumbphone was useless for this. I found another old receipt in my purse and started jotting.

Pro

Government has different value system than each community

Jewish community has chesed and gemachim

Grassroots support can be more individualized

People are less likely to take advantage, it’s not nameless, faceless or “tax”

Con

Many people aren’t religious and that’s where charity comes in — do people have to service their own?

Can’t rely on people’s goodness

I couldn’t think of any other reasons off the top of my head. I was just grateful this wasn’t going to be too contentious, and it wasn’t like anyone was gutting Social Security any time soon.

 

Excerpted from Mishpacha Magazine. To view full version, SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE or LOG IN.

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