Part 5/10:
When engagement is unavoidable—such as with colleagues, relatives, or others in close contact—Rabbi Jacobson advocates a different approach. Instead of responding with anger or debate, he recommends planting seeds of positivity and understanding. This involves trying to reach the "soft spot" in the hater's heart—perhaps by finding common ground or demonstrating empathy.
He recounts a personal experience at an airport, where he spoke to a man who identified as an anti-Semite. Instead of responding defensively, Rabbi Jacobson sought to connect on a human level, asking about the man's children and attempting to invoke shared values. This strategy aims to dispel darkness with light, by subtly introducing kindness and reflection into the conversation.