1. Leadership Development. I build community by strengthening the TJC’s “bench of players,” through affirming and supporting (both individually and publicly) as many TJC members as possible who wish to take part in the planning and organization of TJC programs—thus sharing with those persons the unique joy and meaning that comes from being a leader.
2.Acknowledgment and Celebration of Difference. I build community by visibly modeling an appreciation of, and delight in, a wide range of ways of “doing Jewish” and “being Jewish,” by sharing the planning and leadership of TJC programs with a wide range of TJC members, and by the way that I conduct those programs for which I am responsible.
3.Deeper Connection to Jewish Ancestors. I build community by strengthening TJC members’ sense of continuity with the Jewish past, through programs that include a consideration of past practices and perspectives, undertaken wherever possible in a spirit of open-ended and honest encounter.
4.Exploring the Major Issue. I build community by assisting the TJC in its assessment of the most significant community-building step that the board has taken this year, namely, entering into an ongoing relationship with a rabbi.
5. The Sparkle Test. I build community by planning programs that offer a blend of comfort, surprise, provocation, aesthetic pleasure, education, clarification of values, generosity of spirit, and good humor, such that attendees will leave with brighter eyes than when they arrived.
Acknowledgments
“Thank you!” to the following coordinators of my visits during the year 5768:
• Cindy Grossman (High Holy Days)
• Bruce Grossman (Chanukah; Presidents’ Weekend)
• Bette Myerson (Passover).
Each of them played the key liaison role that can make or break a visiting rabbi’s success.
I am grateful to each of them for their display of good judgment, attention to detail, and generosity of spirit.
