Tovanot: Rejecting the Binary, Embracing Dual Narrative

Israel education for community leaders and Jewish professionals.

Wednesdays, Dec 2, 9, 16 (2026) 

10:00 AM-3:00 PM

Tovanot: Rejecting the Binary, Embracing Dual Narratives is a transformative educational journey designed for high school students and adults ready to engage deeply with Israel-Palestine and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

A signature initiative of MoEd, Tovanot challenges participants to reject black-and-white narratives and embrace the complexity, nuance, and humanity of Israelis and Palestinians alike.

This immersive experience invites learners to step into a space of inquiry, empathy, and discomfort. Through interactive modules and rigorous historical exploration, participants grapple with the layered narratives of Israeli Jews, Palestinian citizens of Israel, and Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. Rather than offering easy answers, Tovanot equips participants with the tools to hold multiple truths, navigate difficult conversations, and think beyond a zero-sum mindset. 

Launched in the fall of 2024 and now run in eight synagogues in the Washington, D.C., area, Tovanot has resonated deeply with both high schoolers and adults of all ages. We’ve seen firsthand how American Jews—hungry for a meaningful, balanced, and intellectually honest approach—have embraced our dual-narrative framework.

Your Educator:

Dr. Ruti Kadish is an Israeli-born educator and scholar who has spent her career at the intersection of Jewish identity, Israel education, and community building. Her academic expertise and lived experience in Israeli and American Jewish life inform Tovanot—developed to fill a gap she saw firsthand: the need for honest, values-driven Israel education that doesn’t ask people to choose between their Jewish identity and their conscience.

“Tovanot exemplifies what it means to reimagine Israel education. Rather than relying on scripted narratives, it equips Jewish professionals with the frameworks, language, and facilitation skills to engage in thoughtful, values-based conversations that can meet learners where they are on what is often viewed as a highly divisive topic.”  [Camp Director participant]

“I’ve often felt intimidated when conversations about Israel and Palestine get heated, especially when I’m talking to people who seem 1000% certain that their perspective is the only right one. This training gave me a much-needed set of tools to stay in the room when things get difficult… I’m excited to bring these dual narratives into my teaching and to help others find the nuance and empathy we so desperately need right now.” [Rabbi participant]