Disentangling Judaism from the Violence of Occupation

“The way to manifest your sacredness is to embody sacredness – to treat all life as sacred.”
– Rabbi Cat Zavis

In this live SAND Community Gathering (October 2024) Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo were in discussion with Rabbi Cat Zavis, a renowned Jewsish teacher, writer, and social justice activist.

They discussed the misuse of Judaism to justify the brutal Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. Drawing on deep Jewish ethical traditions of justice and compassion, Rabbi Zavis showed how the occupation fundamentally contradicts core Jewish values. We explored the rich history of Jewish opposition to occupation and highlight contemporary movements working to honor Judaism’s ethical mandate, “Never Again” for anyone.

Rabbi Cat Zavis is a passionate shaper of Jewish rituals and services that inspire and draw connections between the spiritual, personal, and political. She is a spiritual social justice activist, attorney, and visionary leader with over 20 years experience in empathic and people-centered leadership and collaboration. A sought after facilitator and trainer in nonviolent communication, prophetic empathy, collaboration, and conflict resolution, she has over 25 years experience working with and helping people understand our shared needs and how to challenge manifestations of othering and build beloved communities of belonging. While co-editor of Tikkun magazine, she wrote articles and helped shape the magazine; as Executive Director of the Network of Spiritual Progressives she has trained over 1000 people in Prophetic Empathy and Revolutionary Love.

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Resources

• Tikkun


• Beyt Tikkun


• Roots (1977 Miniseries)


• One Hundred Years War on Palestine by Rasheed Khalidi


• Jewish Voices for Peace


• SAND’s Helpful Resources on Palestine

Topics

• 00:00 – Introduction and Greetings


• 00:31 – Current Situation in Gaza


• 01:58 – Introducing Rabbi Cat Zavis


• 02:16 – Rabbi Cat Zavis' Background


• 05:17 – Personal Journey and Reflections


• 12:11 – Jewish Ethical Values and Israeli Occupation


• 15:58 – The Split in the Jewish Community


• 24:54 – Truth, Justice, and Peace in Judaism


• 27:07 – Pursuing Truth and Justice


• 28:01 – Condemnation of Israeli Actions


• 29:43 – Judaism vs. Zionism


• 30:47 – Anti-Zionist Jewish Thinkers


• 32:08 – Theological Perspectives on Zionism


• 34:33 – Solidarity and Liberation


• 40:59 – The Role of Fear and Trauma


• 45:21 – Call for International Intervention


• 47:34 – Practical Support for Palestinian Rights


• 49:33 – Spiritual Reflections and Blessings