Rabbi Brad Hirschfield: The Courage to Disagree, the Wisdom to Listen

At a time when disagreement too often becomes division, Rabbi Brad Hirschfield has spent a lifetime demonstrating another path. As President of CLAL (The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership), he has helped leaders across business, government, higher education, and faith communities navigate complexity with empathy, humility, and moral courage.In this episode, Rabbi Hirschfield reflects on his own remarkable journey—from religious extremism to becoming one of America's most respected voices on pluralism and civil discourse. He explores why listening is an act of leadership, how curiosity can overcome certainty, and why our deepest differences need not become our greatest divides.Among others, key themes include faith, identity, civic life, and the responsibilities of leadership in an increasingly polarized society.This discussion also offers practical insights for anyone seeking to build trust, strengthen community, and lead with both conviction and compassion.