When Two Paths Diverge: The Spiritual Question at the Heart of Jewish Safety

The public rift between the Jewish Council for Public Affairs and the Anti-Defamation League over the National Education Association is more than a procedural squabble. It is a mirror reflecting an ancient spiritual tension: How does a community protect its own without losing its soul?

At the NEA’s annual convention, Jewish teachers reported antisemitic harassment. Both groups sought to help. But their approaches diverged like two rivers from the same source. The JCPA worked quietly with union leaders to craft new policies, emphasizing collaboration and democratic process. The ADL took a prophetic stance, publicly chastising the union for inconsistent enforcement and declaring that “Jewish educators are not a priority.”

“When you can’t criticize substance, you find reasons to criticize process,” said JCPA CEO Amy Spitalnick, defending the behind-the-scenes work. The ADL countered that the agreement excluded key Jewish leaders.

This is not merely a strategy debate. It is a question as old as exile: Shall we build bridges or sound alarms? The JCPA’s approach echoes the wisdom of building within systems; the ADL’s, the cry of the watchman who will not be silenced. Both seek safety. The soul of the community waits to see which path leads to lasting peace.