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YIEP KSS CIVIC PROJECT
YIEP Kirkpatrick Signature Series Service
Learning ProjectPeretz Cohen
October 12 2015
Entry 1:Selection of the Learning Service Project
I am the son of Rabbi and thus have since childhood been exposed to the
work that my father does within the community. His duties extend beyond
YIEP KSS CIVIC PROJECT
religious ceremonies ,service and the like. Our religion teaches us to be
charitable and to help those in need. Unfortunately I have seen many
individuals who have fallen on hard times financially and emotionally turn to
him for help. Fortunately many were able to be helped.
Learning the material provided in this course I learnt a lot about my country
and the values upon which it was founded. This material also provided me
with an opportunity to re-examine the work my father does and which I had
begun taking part of.I now understood that the work we do didn't just effect
our individual community but society at large. Each individual is a part of
our greater society and as they change they in turn influence the world
around them. This Course presented me with a unique opportunity , to
become more involved with my father's organization with newfound skills
and perspective.I would also be able to then reflect upon my ideas ,about
what we do and how I felt about it.I chose the areas of administration ,
connection building and education as the areas I would focus in.
Administration is fairly somewhat a misunderstood term.At times it can be
degraded or despised and undervlaued.I was able to in the past able to hep
operations and ensure their continuing functions.What has in the past been
seen quite difficult and monotonous becomes quite fascinating and
streamlined by being involved in the end results.
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I am fascinated by business and their structures due to my exposure to
technology and the culture currently linked to it. Business structure and its
different functions continue to amaze and invigorate me with renewed
energy. In service of this fascination I have also been able to learn about
non-profits their unique missions and ways of obtaining resources.One of
the best ways of getting information is by speaking to people ,so in search
of resources and partnerships I can learn about multiple topics and enjoy
unique experiences.
My journey in the religious education framework has been quite
bumpy.This journey despite all the aggravating parts of it , has provided me
with unique perspectives on my religion and renewed enthusiasm in all that
I do. Learning with others can now be viewed by me as less of a chore and
more of an opportunity on so many levels.
Entry 2:Service Learning Project Objectives
The service learning project goal is to connect the actions of civic
engagement on the foundation on a certain set of ideas.Civic engagement
and the organizations and ties it fosters are only possible and effective in a
country that has certain ideals about the freedom and rights of its'
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citizens.The ideals upon which our country was founded of liberty , self
reliance and respect for others enable individuals to accomplish great
things without fear of consequence and censorship.In reality these ideals
not only allow they also spur one on to accomplish.For one who knows and
understands these values wants to emulate them and further along this
agenda.
The non profit I chose to work with is able to operate with a freedom hence
unknown in history.WIth the freedom of religious observance and the
general culture of activism , many opportunities open up and the
organization can thus be that more effective.An example of an opportunity
that arises is that the government themselves will sometimes help an
organization fincacnally.This situation in past times was extremely rare , for
in most of our history we were persecuted,pillaged and disrespected.
Another benefit of being in our country is the ability to be able to lead our
lives and be proud as principles are for the most part respected in
society.I'll qualify that by saying that this respect extends to those who are
principled for themselves , when it comes to placing those restrictions on
others , an issue of personal freedom arises and an emotional response
usually follows.
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By immersing myself within this organization , I get to see firsthand the
ideals of this country in action.Where connections are made and people
express themselves in unique fashions in service of a common goal.To
word it differently I get to see a refreshingly good side of humanity.Freedom
of expression does not guarantee its positive content and learning how and
watching how difficult people are dealt with are real life application of
blending tolerance with personal liberties. Combining this with the material
learnt in this course should help give me a unique perspective on society
and bringing down lofty ideals to the realm of practicality.In the service of
education there is no better way to imbibe values and craft a balanced
world view , than by being immersed in real life situations.Thus real life is
experienced and an anchor is maintained in objective pure intellectual
analysis of ideals.I cherish and look forward to this special opportunity that
is unfolding before me.
Entries 3-9:Journal
There is something to be said about the ties of civic orginzations.These ties
can replicate and in fact ensure the virtue of society.This can be done by
using natural inclinations of individuals to due good and contribute to those
less fortunate. Together with the capitalization on other natural tendencies
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and inclinations which can be encouraged and nurtured with the positive
atmosphere that a community provides. (Messmore 2007)
Within my experience of civic engagement in the service of the synagogue I
volunteer for I looked for ways to use civil organizations that have a
community or resources that would be open to developing a connection.
This connection would be based on the mutual assumption that community
makes an organization stronger and the collaboration of the two solidifies
them into a stronger force deriving benefit for the both of them.
Amongst the organizations I sought out was the Sacramento Kings. The
Kings are a basketball team affiliated with the NBA and we have worked
with them in the past.My goal was to refresh that connection and expand
upon it.
Recently the team ,which was floundering , was bought by a ownership
group who is comprised of Silicon Valley Tech innovators and
moguls.Following in the strategy of Silicon Valley they have tried to remake
their team and the NBA in general.They want it to become a more global
phenomenon and enrich fan experience through utilizing big data analysis
and other high grade software and hardware in tandem. The name that was
given to this philosophy is NBA 3.0 . The tenets of this philosophy and
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approach are technology ,globalization and deep community partnerships.
(Riches 2013 , Kings Media Release 2014)
I believe that these deep community ties are the real goal and the enabling
factor that allows this to go forward.Namley technology is used in service of
fan experiences and a good experience allows something to be
golobalized.Fans are more likely to come when they feel a kinship with the
brand.This is basically true amongst all consumer based economies and
this is one of the biggest implementation of this economy.By learning how
to create community ties in a more micro environment these same
principles can then be applied in a macro environment namely the
implementation of globalization.
Deep community ties and brand loyalty have been the item of
search ,sometimes elusively, of big companies. Many strategies have been
employed in this regard.In our situation there are two components that at
are play here the fans feeling called for and a feeling that the organization
that gains from them cares about what they care about , namely their city.
This tenet of accountability to the masses is part of what the style of
government we govern with is founded on.As expressed by Thomas Paine
in Common sense ( 1776) There is no one higher or lower and no cause or
company alliance can supersede the common interest.We all have similar
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wants and needs and aspirations for our respective place of living(King
1963).This is true regardless of our backgrounds and individual beliefs
because of the affluence we find ourselves living in (De Crevecoeur 1782)
We are compelled to continue to pursue and find the truth the ideal way
and goal to combine our liberty and the truth of what we must do.
Yes these relationships with community organizations and impacting the
community directly have ulterior motives , but we must look past that and
utilize the resources that present themselves.This is not to say we rely
upon them for in the end we must rely upon ourselves to fulfill our set goals
with the power and blessings given to us by our creator.(Emerson 1841)
This is the epitome of using resources created by us,the consumers and
citizens ,as a tool to help our communities flourish.Theree are many
resources that the government provides and should and can be
used.Though with a focus on mantinsaing civic connections we create a
self sustaining culture of virtue within our own communities.
I happened upon a listing mentioning that the Kings were holding a Summit
titled "Do Good" and those attending would be the community partners of
the Kings for the coming years.The attendees were non profits from all over
the spectrum and was ,true to the nature of this business, quite
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entertaining. Different aspects of the opportunities available through a
partnership with them were discussed.Including donations of memorabilia ,
board members and public awareness nights.They also outline criterias
where they place an emphasis and a priority on.They are focused on
Health as expressed in nutrition and fitness as well as the sustainability of
said food.(Kings 2015)
These are just their priorities but they work with all groups and non-profits.
The ultimate goal is that these non-profits generate great publicity and
attendees to games.There was a point where an unforced slip up by a staff
member underscored this focus.The feeling at the time was of upliftment
and of great things that could be done.
Once done the realization sunk in of the limitations of this
arrangment.There was an idea to publicize our partnership through our
calendar which was summarily dismissed as that privilege belongs to
corporate sponsors. This enforced within me the notion of self reliance and
prompted our synagogue to take a more pragmatic approach and focus on
what we can do and our planning a event for Chanukah with the Kings.
The experience of chasing down this organization and others can at times
be disheartening yet beholding the final results puts them in
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perspective.Civic Engagement is not simple but not "bowling alone" makes
it easier.Despite my initial disappointment with this organization , their
summit allowed me to see and gain perspective into others working hard
and engaging with the communities around them trying to utilize similar
resources.This strengthened me and that albeit artificial sense of
community gives me strength to continue the search for those that want
and can help us strengthen and rejuvenate our community in multiple areas
of functioning.
Religion and spirituality is facing a resurgence in the public conscience
due to the overload of resources at our disposal. One of the key ways to
survive in our day and age is by having a spiritual anchor.
This is in addition to the heritage and cultural values gained by being
involved in a faith-based community.The community also provides ,upon
the basis of virtue and morals,for each other lending a helping hand when
needed.I wrote the above to stress and explain the importance and
relevance of the specific organization I am engaged with in relation to the
values and themes that are being dealt with.
All organizations run on a budget or in other words need money to execute
their functions.These funds can be obtained in numerous ways.For non
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profit organizations a lot of the traditional ways that regular organizations
obtain funds are not accessible to them.For them there are magnanimity
of individual civilians and the graciousness of orginzations.Orignzations
can be as discussed above private business looking to make mutually
beneficial connections for good press and in service of enhancing and
adding value to their business.For members of the organization and the
community at large will be more inclined to utilize them if the need arises.
Namely this in other terms another expense for marketing.I am by no mean
excluding the idea of magnanimity for its own sake.In the same token,
contributions from individuals can also be with ulterior motives for more
intangible results of honor and bragging rights.
One of my responsibilities in my roles as a volunteer is keeping track of the
incoming donations in the numerous ways they come in , whether online or
in person. This information is then entered into database system designed
for our synagouge.This database can also track the amount they owe for
services rendered in the past and can then subtract funds given from the
total amount they owe.This is not automatic and donations and repayments
can be accounted for seperatly.Dealing with the donations and seeing
detailed reports of individual contributors is eye opening.It can bring to
realizations that are positive and others that are less so.
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Seeing what people give and interacting with the inner workings of an
organization teaches me a lot by experience and by illumination.I gained
insight into some individuals that I deal with on a daily to weekly
basis.Irrespective of the amount the donation patterns and the
commensurate with their resources has revealed to me people who are
generous.
Generosity is a lot of times perceived as part of being a good person. I
would posit that it can be a sign but does not necessitate the existence of
the said personality. Therefore within the setting I find myself knowing more
about these people I can identify more correctly people who are actually
wholesome individuals and provide me with a lot of matter to reflect
upon.Even those who are not wholesome individuals provide matter to
reflect upon.What stimulates them to nevertheless give and how can I
incorporate this into myself?At the same time seeing negative traits and
those who are blessed with affluence and choose not to contribute ,
teaches me an entirely different lesson ,namely what to avoid and how to
grow.In reality in order to sustain a society and to maintain social
justice ,those who are more affluent should view it as their duty of honor to
share and distribute the funds given to them.According to Jewish tradition
this is actually the case.That man who has more than his fellow was given
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the siad bounty as a trust fund to help out brethren and his fellow man as a
matter of justice.(Carnegie 1889, Saks 2005)
The recognition that certain traits are undesirable is a first step in that
above mentioned process and journey of growth.The main thing I think this
taught me is not to judge one by my first impression of them.That in fact
there is no evil without good in the world.Especially within this period of my
life these lessons are especially improtant.Civic Engagement does not just
benefit the community but contributes to the volunteer themselves. This is
in addition to the positive messages ,morals and lessons imbibed by
working with and within a organization that has a mission of spreading
goodness and positivity.
As an aside there are religious service the organization provides and
sponsorship opportunities which can be viewn as services.Yet the fact that
this is a non-profit and the motives are pure and religious this is not a major
source of income.This is expressed in the prices usually charged for such
services and the organization cannot nearly survive on those alone
especially in communities where certain services are not as frequently
needed.For example and community of older couples that don't exactly
need a Rabbi to officiate a wedding ceremony and procedure for them.
YIEP KSS CIVIC PROJECT
There has been always a continued with fascination with many issues that
find their root and solution in education. Issues of bigotry , abandoned
tradition ,poverty and morals are traced back to a lack of or faulty and
erroneous education.The saying I heard as a school child that "Knowledge
is Power" rings so true in light of this grasp on the nature of the very fabric
of society and life itself. Power can be withheld thus suffocating the ability
to self actualize and can be given corruptly or corrupt.The freedom that was
given through democracy can permit self-actualization in harmful ways to
self and others.The examples merge here as through knowledge power
can be better applied and used.When one understands the consequences
of actions and goals they strive for the freedom can be channeled in the
right direction.Yet extreme cases of power can overwhelm even the
strongest sense of self.
Religion is something which is at its core something super rational which
has some implementations that are logical.Yet even the core beliefs can be
distorted and presented in a manner that intimidates or disgust potential or
current adherents.
A great part of my synagouge's message is to spread education and
inform , thus dispelling notions and emotions about religion and religious
people.Even those who are currently adherents can be woefully unaware
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about their religion and are not engaged in continual growth.This can cause
a sense of stagnancy and sometimes a backslide downhill , most good
things need maintenance to continue and blossom as many a bad
behavior is easier to fall into than positive ones.Many religious kids attend
schools of that religion that do not only educate the child about skills and
the amazing wealth of foundational knowledge in Secular studies. They try
to impart knowledge and emotions in a way that they can serve as a
signpost for the later years in life.These foundations do not guarantee an
outcome due to the nature of the human condition and free choice ,but they
give in essence that choice to choose that way.Continual education will be
needed later in life as in all matters of knowledge where material and the
grasp of it evolves.Religous doctrine is usually static but views and grasps
continue to evolve.These can be gained by a new appreciation of a topic
due to the growth of an individual or learning from the teachings of
others.There is also a practical aspect of the learning to be able to practice
the practices dictated by the dogma.
I came across an opportunity just through being a part of my community.I
was able to learn with a kid in my community taking him through basic
Hebrew reading ,to learning the tunes used to chant the Bible.These
culminated in the coming of age ceremony for this kid as he became a
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man.A year later I pondered back upon that time and decided that it was
time to continue that mentor relationship.Throguht the course of my
previous tutoring I had developed a relationship and open communication
with him and wanted to continue and develop that for his growth.I began
learning with him the Abbreviated Code of Jewish Law which serves as a
method to gain practical knowledge and an appreciation of the breadth of
Jewish law and tradition.Even at an older age the emotional aspect of
learning is no less important and an essential factor in education and the
influence of it.My goal was not only to enrich him in knowledge but in
emotion and in the feeling that fuels the actual practice of religion over a
long period.As mentioned earlier the most effective way is to be schooled in
that manner.I was trying to accomplish this in a hour a week setting which
had against it the rest of the week and hi living and family situation
conspiring and undermining that education.They were also religious but
certain financial and emotional considerations were not exactly helping this
individual in living a fulfilling life religiously and practically.I am thankful to
say that during the summer I was able to collaborate with others to arrange
him taking part in a ten day summer camp which gave him a good
experience and a newfound pride of his isentidty.
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The next logical step was to find him a school.It will be a considerable
financial obligation to take upon our organization and other organizations
that deal with educations are already helping in this regard.As of now he is
currently boarding out of state ,attending and enjoining an education at a
religious Jewish High School. When I look back on three years ago when I
started I gain new perspective for opportunities ahead.At that time I was
filled with a sense of dread of the grueling process that awaited me and
was keen on shirking that duty.Since I looked upon it as a matter of duty
and knowing that "if not me then who" I started it and as anticipated it was
grueling. When a session did not go to well the week before I experienced
anxiety. I learn from this the tremendous effect even a small action and
little amounts of time can have. Over time I identified channels of
communication opening up, my own confidence growing and in turn the
ability to transmit better.In continuation to the previous themes learning
about the virtue of patience continues on here.This is true in all areas of life
and especially when dealing with change and implementing it effectively.
I learnt throughout this course many ideas and now realize that these
actions can be done in a micro fashion whereupon the cumulative value of
them would be as a result a big action overall.As an example the concept
of civil disobedience which can be done through small minute actions.As
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Henry Thoreau Describes (1849) his experience with refusing to pay a tax
he deemed unjust.This does not have a wide area of effect he was
summarily imprisoned. He then wrote about his experiences and his
views.Even though there are many who don't agree with his views his
writing and his actions provoke others to think differently about
government.Goverment as he argues is just another system that has its
own limitaitons.This system is developed by us and we must remember the
foundation upon which it is founded and to continue to use that foundation
in determining future outcomes.Egnaging in Civic activities even in a micro
fashion changes and develops the virtue of the population and improves
the living condition of all citzinery.Not always can one see and be
recognized for the work that they do and this must be taken into account
before embarking on especially difficult endeavors.
These actions affect the general society as a whole for as one person
becomes more virtuous they begin to influence the rest of the community
and those they come into contact with.(Etzioni 1999)
There exist an established belief that civic engagement has declined as a
result there is a lessening of social captial.It is partly ascribed to changes
within the culture of women and their inclusion in the labor force among
other facotrs.There is a resurgence but deemed not nearly near what once
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was.This resurgence is attributed to self help groups like Alcoholics
Anonymous and the like.Care must be taken to identify the networks that
generate the most social capital and ensure we are not stifling them by
policy.(Putnam 1995)
The opposing view is that for one social capital is a pretty artificial and non
defined concept.The concept that engagement is declining is also
dismissed and the actual need for social capital as defined by the other
view as to its nessceity.It is deemed needed for case of emergency and
when needs arise.(Durlauf 2000)
I had the chance over the summer to meet with a civic hack group.There is
a national organization called "Code for America" which is part of a global
trend of Civic Hacking.In the local branch and meeting group of this
Organization , I was surprised to see the amount of people and wealth of
ideas put forward and implemented for the sake of the city we
inhabit.Despite the different definitions of social capital and its necessity ,
civic engagement is growing and in a different way which has been seen
until now. Social media with all its failings and curtailing of individual
communication allow one to be kind and generous to a wider audience.I
have seen total strangers reach out for help and received that help or kind
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of word.As society evolves so does the forms of engaging and shaping it
evolve.
Civic engagement as a whole comprimes many areas and forms.To
simplify it I would divide into general categories.There is the due diligence
that needs to be done to find out how and where to help the
community,Finding out where to gain experience in service of the
community,and identifying opportunities for the originzations.Then there is
the Action part which consists of volunteering , interning , serving the
community and building ties with other organizations. As much as one
organization alone can achieve when it connects to other organizations it
creates a stronger force of civic engament.Even more when one connects
to one organization it inevitably grows I circle of acquaintances and then in
turn connects to others.(National Louis University 2015)
This is the ideal situation and there is sadly enough roadblocks that get in
the way.They can be anything from lack of funds to petty arguments.I
would deem to say that part of the civic engagement and its subsequent
revolutionary effect should eliminate a lot of these roadblocks.Yey as with
most things implementation is the most difficult part.Though with a solid
foundation of idealism, I remain hopeful for when tomorrow comes.
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Entry 10:Conclusions
I have learnt a lot about what Civic Engagement is and the effects It has.I
have seen how it not only affects those who receive the perceived benefit
but the volunteer themself.It is hard to admit but through this project I have
learnt to shift the focus from being completely on myself and personal
growth and onto others.It is far from being sacrificial as another person's
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growth affects you by virtue of being part of the same society and inevitably
provides learning experiences.This also causes me to feel closer to others
and less threatened by people in general.For with the work I did ,it is not
about the individual but about a group moving towards an objective
collectively.
There has been some harsh realities I have realized about the world but in
utilizing patience and rational thinking I was able to turn those situations
into positive ones.This virtue of patience allows one to continually grow and
see that happen in the small steps it takes.This was done through personal
growth and observing other people's interactions and learning from them.
i have also viewed amazing truths about the world and those that inhabit
it.Sometimes we can be pretty horrible and act in ways that disgust and
surprise one with a normal sense of decency and morals.Yet we also can
be surprised by the sheer goodness and kindness that exist in the
world.Despite all the crime and foibles constantly pushed on us and spoken
about , good exists in the world.Positivity is not always a popular subject to
discuss ,yet this does not cancel out the existence of it. People do good for
a multiple of reasons and incentives and seeing the good without
calculating the motive is a pure uplifting experience. All of this inspires a
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more positively biased view of the world and a renewed enthusiasm in
pursuing goals and opportunities.
I believe I have gained as much and even more than i put in.I have been
able to see the world through the lenses of academia and idealism.Within
my engagement in civic matters I was able to see how those ideas
influence the way we behave , even today.
It is because of the values posited by our founding fathers and prominent
American thinkers that the activities I did are possible.Liberty does not only
have to be focused inward but also liberates and empowers one to have a
positive effect on the world.
References
Carnegie , A. (1889) Wealth Retrieved from http://idcontent.bellevue.edu/content/CAS/eBooks/Kirkpatr/Book4.pdf De Crevecoeur,J. H. (1782) What is an American Retrieved from: http://idcontent.bellevue.edu/content/CAS/eBooks/Kirkpatr/Book1.pdf Durlauf , S.N. (December 2008) Bowling Alone : A Review Essay Retrieved from: http://www.ssc.wisc.edu/econ/archive/wp2029.pdf
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Emerson , R. H. (1841) Self Reliance Retrieved from:http://idcontent.bellevue.edu/content/CAS/eBooks/Kirkpatr/Book1.pdf Etzioni, A. (March 1999) The Good Society. The Journal of Political Philosophy 7 (1) , 88- 103 Retrieved from http://www.gwu.edu/~ccps/etzioni/A264.htmlKing , Dr. M. L. (August 1963) I have A Dream Retrieved from:http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkihaveadream.htm Kings Media Release (January 2014) Sacramento Kings Become First Professional Sports Team to Accept Virtual Currency Bitcoin Retrieved from http://www.nba.com/kings/news/sacramento-kings-become-first-professional- sports- team-accept-virtual-currency-bitcoin Kings (2015) Our Priorities Retrieved from: http://www.nba.com/kings/community/our- priorities Messemore , R. (February 2007) A Moral Case Against Big Government: How Government Shapes the Character, Vision, and Virtue of Citizens Retrieved from: https://www.heartland.org/sites/all/modules/custom/heartland_migration/files/pdfs/210 37.pdf National Louis University (2015) What is Civic Engagement? Retrieved from:http://www.nl.edu/studentservices/civicengagement/whatiscec/ Putnam , R.D. (January 1995) Bowling Alone. Journal of Democracy 6(1) ,65-78 Retrieved from: http://www.noiorizonturi.ro/attachments/article/44/s%20Declining%20Social%20Capi tal_Interview%20with%20Robert%20Putnam.pdf Riches , S. (December 2013) This Man Wants to Make the NBA a Social Network — And Take It Global Retrieved from: http://www.wired.com/2013/12/vivek-ranadive-sacramento- kings/ Paine , T.(1776) Common Sense Retrieved from:http://idcontent.bellevue.edu/content/CAS/eBooks/Kirkpatr/Book1.pdf Saks,Rabbi J. (2005) To Heal a Fractured World Thoreau ,H. D. (1849) Civil Disobedience Retrieved from:http://idcontent.bellevue.edu/content/CAS/eBooks/Kirkpatr/Book1.pdf