About the Course
What will your classroom sound like on the day after the US midterm elections? Will your students be getting into arguments, repeating bombastic statements they heard at home, and creating a negatively charged atmosphere? Or will you hear productive discussion and respectful disagreement? Advance preparation for “the day after” can make all the difference. In this hour-long professional development session for Jewish educators, you’ll explore a powerful framework for constructive disagreement grounded in Jewish texts, together with practical tools you can introduce immediately in your classroom. Get in front of potential post-election conflict by transforming it into an opportunity for personal, social, and educational growth. DATE: Thursday, October 22, 2026 TIME: 9:30-10:45 AM PT | 12:30-1:45 PM ET
Meet Sefi Kraut
Sefi Kraut is the Director of Mahloket Matters and has had the privilege of teaching Judaic Studies since 2004. She began her professional career teaching Tanakh to middle school students at a Jewish day school in Paramus, NJ. Upon moving to Israel in 2013, Sefi taught in several gap year programs before joining the faculty of the Pardes Center for Jewish Educators where she is thrilled to be involved in training the next generation of Jewish educators. As the Director of Mahloket Matters, Sefi has co-created a curriculum for teens called, “Mahloket Matters Teens: Navigating Inner Challenges and Societal Discord through Jewish Text and Social-Emotional Learning.” Sefi also develops and teaches Mahloket Matters fellowships and professional development workshops geared to organizational leaders, educators, school administrators, Rabbis, Hillel professionals, lay leaders, and more.
What to expect in this course
Class Style
Lecture
Participation
Questions in chat Q&A time at the end
Source sheets and materials
Will be available in the Online Beit Midrash 24 hours in advance of the session Will be shared via a link in the chat during the class itself, but will not be shown on-screen during the session.
Ready to transform the way your class deals with conflict over charged issues?
Register now to learn how to channel your students’ strong emotions and opinions into a constructive educational experience