Rabbi Menachem Froman (1945–2013), a religious leader and peace activist from the West Bank settlement of Tekoa, developed a vision of peace grounded in humility before God and a gentle, cooperative relationship to the land. Drawing on philosophical, Kabbalistic, and Hasidic traditions, he rejected both political absolutism and religious exclusivity, advocating instead a practical ethics of coexistence that resists domination and ownership. His enduring relationships with Palestinian leaders and Muslim clerics reflected a consistent belief that genuine peace can arise only when communities engage one another through respect, empathy, and moral responsibility. This paper examines the philosophical and theological foundations of Froman’s thought, focusing on his redefinition of land, faith, and belonging as interrelated forms of stewardship rather than possession. By highlighting Froman’s pedagogy of humility and his lived model of interreligious cooperation, the paper argues that his approach offers valuable insights for peace education and for developing grounded, community-based responses to enduring political conflict.

Authors:
Mordy Miller, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Mordy Miller, Assistant Professor at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, specializes in philosophy, religion, and politics. His current project explores how Kabbalistic thought shapes modern political ideas and interfaith dialogue.

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/mordy-miller-phd-53a518155/

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