Create a environment of curiosity and willingness to learn from others' perspectives
Reduce political polarization and demonization of "the other" in our society
Give students deep appreciation of the wisdom inherent in Jewish texts and tradition
What's in the curriculum?
The Mahloket Matters Teen Curriculum consists of three versatile units that can be used in a variety of educational contexts: day schools, supplementary schools, camps and other settings. Each unit comes with a comprehensive educator’s guide, editable learner workbook, and editable slides. Units and sample lessons are described in detail below.
Unit 1: Introduction
Setting the Tone
How can learners and educators work together to create a positive learning environment for tough topics?
The Value of Multiple Perspectives
Why do good people disagree with each other on moral issues? What is the point of interacting with people who disagree with me?
Two Types of Argument
When is disagreement constructive, and when is it destructive?
Unit 2: Showin' Up!
Internal Conditions: It Starts With Me
When I am emotionally triggered, how can I re-regulate my nervous system so that I can access reason, empathy, and critical thinking?
Interpersonal Conditions: Between You and Me
How do I craft an invitation to a difficult conversation that is welcoming, honest, and non-aggressive?
External Conditions: Setting the Stage
How might the setting – where, when, how, and who – impact the development or outcome of a difficult conversation?
Unit 3: Constructive Conversations
Effective Listening and Speaking
What are some of the crucial skills necessary for engaging productively in a difficult conversation?
The Sanhedrin Way: Apply and Practice
How can the procedures of the ancient Sanhedrin (the Jewish High Court) model for us how to disagree constructively today?
Harm Happens - How Do We Meet It?
How can we constructively communicate with someone with whom we are upset in ways that will both address the issue and not hurt the relationship?
Impact that matters
Across continents, denominations, and institutions, Mahloket Matters is changing society for the better.
I have been teaching a teen class using this curriculum. Now they really understand the importance of multiple perspectives. They have requested to learn more about Israel, specifically the issues surrounding conflict, and I’m using these tools to shape and guide that conversation.
Temple B’nai Jeshurun, Short Hills, NJ
[It] gave me powerful tools to navigate difficult conversations in a deeply divided world. Grounded in the Jewish concept of mahloket l’shem shamayim, the training was intense, eye-opening, and immediately applicable—whether I’m working with teens, adults, or in my own personal life.
2026 Cohort
When we taught the Mahloket Matters teen curriculum, there were so many lightbulb moments for the kids.
Spring 2023
We noticed that in the middle school culture, where it is seen as cool to put each other down, there was a bit less of this style of engagement happening. We began to see how Toshba (rabbinics class) was impacting our students’ everyday behavior for the better.
Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School, MD
I have been teaching a teen class using this curriculum. Now they really understand the importance of multiple perspectives. They have requested to learn more about Israel, specifically the issues surrounding conflict, and I’m using these tools to shape and guide that conversation.
Temple B’nai Jeshurun, Short Hills, NJ
When we taught the Mahloket Matters teen curriculum, there were so many lightbulb moments for the kids.
Spring 2023
[It] gave me powerful tools to navigate difficult conversations in a deeply divided world. Grounded in the Jewish concept of mahloket l’shem shamayim, the training was intense, eye-opening, and immediately applicable—whether I’m working with teens, adults, or in my own personal life.
2026 Cohort
We noticed that in the middle school culture, where it is seen as cool to put each other down, there was a bit less of this style of engagement happening. We began to see how Toshba (rabbinics class) was impacting our students’ everyday behavior for the better.
Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School, MD
Mahloket Matters from Pardes
In the face of increasing polarization, the Pardes Mahloket Matters methodology is helping the Jewish world build a more harmonious, sophisticated and resilient future. This unique approach, combining Jewish text study, social psychology and practical conflict tools, transforms disagreement into a vehicle that strengthens relationships and communities. Mahloket Matters is transforming the Jewish world through training programs, professional development for organizations, and educational curricula.
Transform the way teens deal with disagreement
Start using the Mahloket Matters Curriculum with your learners right away, with a comprehensive educator’s guide, editable learner workbook, and editable slides. Optional training and mentoring from our Pardes expert educators on how to most effectively apply the curriculum in your educational setting can be arranged upon request.
$500.00
Questions?
For questions about the curriculum or other Mahloket Matters programs, please email the Mahloket Matters team: [email protected]