The Pedagogy of Interpersonal Hiyuv: What Are Our Obligations to Others?

The language of obligation is complex and the question of obligations toward others is even more fraught. We confront a world unceasing in need, and we, finite beings, possess limited resources. How do we respond in an ethical way that accords with our priorities and identities? This pedagogy of hiyuv — obligation — asks the individual Jew to deeply consider the following questions: What are my obligations to others and from where do those obligations emerge? The pedagogy does not preordain the nature of the individual’s obligations but is rather a positioning that encourages the individual Jew to understand that their existence has been predicated on the obligations others felt toward them and that they have a responsibility to care for others in some kind of capacity. The purpose of this piece is to engage rabbinical students who have had regular global travel experiences where they have interacted with Jewish communities and consider how those communities have been sustained and supported by Jews around the world. These practices can be used at retreats where students have meaningful time and space to reflect on how those experiences have impacted them and what the implications of these experiences might be for the future. The practices should be facilitated with the framework that students can consider using these pieces in their future engagement with congregants and students.