V Alternative Models

Alternative models to what?

For pluralist dialogue to bring its theory into practice, it must avoid both the traditional lecture mode, and the typical way in which people are placed in opposition to one another. It is best to steer clear of a model like Crossfire, or This Week with David Brinkley -set-ups designed to polarize.

The basic theory is this: If panelists can model respectful dialogue, those who ask questions and give reactions will generally do the same.

In planning the Shavuot event in Los Angeles, the rabbis took this idea even further. The event began with two separate groups-rabbis studying with one another, and lay people studying with one another. This way, the lay people could see the rabbis engaged in dialogue. Then the rabbis joined lay groups, and they studied together.

At no point were there "bickering rabbis on display." Yet, the evening had ample opportunities for rabbis and lay people to voice conflicting opinions.

Copyright 1999-2003, CLAL - The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership

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