Why Project Aharon Was Created
In every community...
People and/or organizations experience disagreements that
sometimes lead to conflicts. Communal leaders bear the difficult responsibility of managing the conflicts and ensuing fallout. Through no fault of their own, they are unable to amicably resolve all conflicts owing to a lack of resources and / or relevant training. The larger the community, the more political, the harder it gets.
At the same time...
People may lack the emotional, social,
or political wherewithal to engage effectively. All too often,
conflicts escalate, and others take sides. As a result, some may
feel a lack of support, become distanced from their community
or, as in about 10% of American Orthodox Jews, even leave their
religion!
Impact
The number of people affected, and to what degree, is not measured; commonly discussed; or formally addressed by the majority of community service organizations. To reduce interpersonal conflict, avoid losing members and increase healthy participation, Project Aharon finds ways to better equip the community, individuals, and leaders to provide support for all those experiencing conflict.
The Ask
Join our email group to stay connected with future initiatives
Join coordinated efforts with other members in your community
Be heard...we want to hear your story
The Tip Of The Iceberg
What causes Jews to leave their religion?
What causes Jews to leave their religion?
What causes Jews to leave their religion?
Critical data has recently become available in a study published in the Journal for the Scientific Study Of Religion titled Reasons for Leaving: Causes and Initial Triggers for Disaffiliation from Orthodox Judaism. Better conflict management directly impacts how issues are dealt with in communities and helps avoid the dislike and alienation that drives Jews to leave their religion.
Consequences of Unmanaged Conflict
What causes Jews to leave their religion?
What causes Jews to leave their religion?
"Most formerly observant Jews today seem to have left, not [] because the outside world pulled them in, but, rather, because the observant one pushed them out. They experienced Judaism as a source of pain ... so they did what was natural: go in the other direction." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Off_the_derech#cite_note-21