A Community of Leaders

This week I was reading an article for work, and I came across a phrase that is sticking with me. “Behind every whine is a wish.” I think this phrase resonated because when people ask me about the complaints I get as synagogue President, I frequently reply that the “complaints” are generally raised by people who love our community; those who are committed and give their time as well as their money. I know they are not really complaining, they are trying to make something better. As I listen, I try to figure out what the wish is. Sometimes it is straightforward. Other times, people aren’t quite sure what they are asking for. However, I have noticed a pattern. Somewhere in the conversation is a sentence that goes like this: “So-and-so should. . .” The conversation turns to what someone else should or shouldn’t do. I would like to suggest that we change our language, and begin to use the language of possibility, rather than the language of complaining. I think we can generate a lot of positive energy if we talk about our wishes or our dreams.

How do you make wishes come true? When I was a child, there was a bank whose slogan was “Wishing won’t do it. . . saving will.” When my siblings and I would wish for things (like getting a good grade), my mother would say, “Remember, wishing won’t do it.” A wish is a good start, but personal action has to follow.

I remember years ago, hearing Anita Diamant speak eloquently about why she wanted a mikvah and all of the things she hoped a mikvah could be. She had a wish and she turned it into Mayyim Hayyim. Closer to home, we have our own role models. Here are just a few examples: Mort Camac and others wanted something that would bring together members of the older generation … so they created 55+. Barbara Palant had a vision of how we could be a more inclusive community. . . so she started our Keruv committee. David Landis really wanted a davening experience that he could share with his children . . . so he started our Family Minyan. A group of young families really wanted a synagogue. . . so they created Temple Emunah. I think we can agree that each of these wishes resulted in outcomes that have strengthened our community.

Each of these outcomes began with one person’s wish. The wish was expanded into a vision. Each individual shared their vision with others, got others interested, engaged the leadership, and built momentum to turn their wishes into reality. That’s called leadership.

During our many Community Conversations held over the summer, one theme we heard is that there is a wish for increased connectedness. We are in the process of planning the next step in our conversation that will look deeper at the topic of connectedness. As a community, we will continue to explore our shared wishes and see how we can turn them into reality. I hope you will join us and take an active part in making something happen – we can all be leaders.

L’Shalom,
Lois

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