The basis for this site and our work in general is a theory about moral transformation and moral leadership. I am obsessed with the mechanics of moral transformation: how does it take place, beyond cliches and platitudes? At a granular level, how do we change? How can we understand this better in order to operationalize and share it? Read more about our approach here.
Elie Wiesel was a towering presence on the world stage–a Nobel laureate, activist, adviser to world leaders, and the author of more than forty books, including the Oprah’s Book Club selection Night. But when asked, Wiesel always said, “I am a teacher first.” Wiesel challenged his students to explore moral complexity and to resist the dangerous lure of absolutes. In this three-part series, we will explore (1) Elie Wiesel’s background, influences and life story, (2) key themes and favorite tales, and (3) Elie Wiesel’s legacy. Watch the conversation here.
There is a question rolling around even in the most secular of corners: What do religious people and traditions have to teach as we do the work ahead of repairing, renewing, and remaking our societies, our life together? Krista’s conversation this week with Rabbi Ariel Burger, a student of the late, extraordinary Elie Wiesel, delves into theological and mystical depths that are so much richer and more creative than is often imagined even when that question is raised. Listen to the full conversation here.
In September 2020, Parker J. Palmer and Rabbi Dr. Ariel Burger joined us for an engaging and inspiring webinar conversation. We explored the mechanics of moral change and discussed the ways in which we can transform our suffering into positive motion. In this conversation we explore ways to cultivate moral education across multiple levels and perspectives, from personal to societal. As Palmer wrote in his book The Courage to Teach, “The human condition is vast and varied, and fear is only one of its faces. But whether the focus is fear or power or ego, or grace or humility or love, an effort to understand the inner lives of teachers and learners not only makes for compelling conversation but for better teaching and learning as well.” Watch the full conversation here.
“The current moment calls for moral ferocity. We should not sleep well at night when we know others are suffering. Ferocity itself, though, holds danger. Let’s not forget that some of the worst perpetrators of evil have often claimed to act in the name of the good, or God, or the national interest, or a future utopia. By claiming the moral high ground, and labeling our opponents misguided, we run the risk of doing great harm in the name of good.”Read more here.
In this recorded webinar, Ariel Burger and Global Oneness Project executive director, Cleary Vaughan-Lee, share ways to teach from the heart in our troubled times. Ariel, a friend a former teaching assistant to Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel, shares ways to foster empathy and resilience. This webinar was a follow-up to Share My Lesson’s webinar held on March 25, 2020 during their annual virtual conference. Watch here.