Controlling Chaos - A Blueprint for Bold Leadership

Turmoil surrounds us. The ground beneath feels shaky and unstable. The world is devolving in chaos and Jew hatred. Millions of Hamas terror supporters demonstrate globally calling for the killing of Jews and extinction of Israel.

The need for decisive leadership has never been greater. Rooted in Torah values, our guidance transcends mere advice; it’s a beacon illuminating our path. The timeless teachings of the Chumash and Tehillim, coupled with our heritage of valor and principle, forge an unassailable blueprint for impactful leadership.

IMPACTFUL LEADERSHIP

Leadership is an act of influence, a responsibility that we all carry. Whether you’re responsible for a business, nurturing a family, or educating yourself, your influence is profound. It informs your behaviors, shapes your environment and molds the future. Now, the question is: what impact are you making? Are you a force for positivity and good or do you enable evil to expand?

WISDOM IN TEHILLIM

King David provides inspiration and direction when he says in Tehillim, “Sur M’ra V’Aseh Tov, Bakesh Shalom V’rodfehu.” (Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.) This verse isn’t just a call to action; it’s a directive for leadership. It challenges us to be agents of positive change against evil and actively seek to create peace amidst chaos.

GATHERING OF MINDS: A TRUE STORY

In the days following the grisly massacre committed against Jews on October 7, I found myself unfocused and marinating in uncertainty, questioning what is my response to this moment in history we are experiencing. Reaching out to fellow business owners, I realized we all shared this sense of being overwhelmed. The solution was clear: convene a focus group to address these feelings together.

As the sunset’s rays filtered through the conference room windows, we gathered, sharing our fears, hopes and inspirational stories. The atmosphere was charged with raw emotion as community pillars shared their vulnerabilities, not as a sign of weakness but as a testament to our collective strength and refusal to succumb to hatred. It was a display of our enduring spirit, a tapestry of shared humanity and communal support.

In that room, leadership took a new form. It wasn’t about grand gestures or bold declarations; it was about the power of shared experience and the collective resolve to not only endure but to emerge stronger. We spoke of action — not just in defense but in proactive measures to safeguard our communities, our businesses, and our families.

From the depths of our discussion emerged a united front. We recognized that to combat this tide of antisemitism, we needed to be more than just business owners; we needed to be beacons of hope and courage within and beyond our communities. We left that meeting with a renewed purpose — to lead in a world that seems to be teetering on the brink of chaos.

This meeting was a microcosm of solving our broader struggle. In times like these, leadership means standing firm in the face of virulent hatred. It’s about channeling our collective anxiety into focused, strategic action that upholds our values and dignity.

This is how we confront the crisis: not by cowering in the shadows but by shining our light brighter. We stand shoulder to shoulder, heart to heart, ready to face this onslaught with the full force of our unity and our unwavering faith in Hashem.

This meeting wasn’t just a discussion; it was an embodiment of leadership in action with empathy, courage and compassion powered by a shared purpose. The strength of this meeting was in its honesty and vulnerability. We acknowledged that being a leader doesn’t mean having all the answers. Sometimes, it’s about bringing people together to find those answers.

EVERYDAY LEADERSHIP

Leadership is not the sole domain of the few, it is the calling of the many. Molly and David, a mom and dad, exemplify everyday leadership with integrity and compassion. In their home, Molly imparts resilience and faith to her children, reminiscent of the timeless wisdom shared by Dovid Hamelech in Tehilim, “Hashem is close to the brokenhearted.”

Meanwhile, David, runs his business and makes decisions guided by the ethical teachings of the Torah, understanding that his choices ripple beyond profit margins, influencing the community and shaping a future grounded in morality and communal well-being. Together, they embody the essence of leadership — guiding not just through words, but through action, imbuing their family and business with the values that have been our people’s cornerstone for generations.

And there is Sam the student, who sees beyond the books and homework. He understands that developing healthy relationships is key to a successful life. Practicing what he learned in the Mishna, Eizehu Mechubad, Hamechabed es Habarious. (The one who is honorable is the one that is respectful) and uses this insight to foster a culture of mutual  respect and support among his peers.

LIFE AND LEADERSHIP

Good Jews choose life! Our most cherished value is the sanctity of life. It’s about making choices that protect, preserve, and promote well-being.

THE HEARTBEAT OF OUR COMMUNITY

Our collective heart feels strained, but it beats with the rhythm of unity, compassion, and an unyielding dedication to the greater good. We are witnessing a massive outpouring of hesed and unity amongst our brothers and sisters in Israel and around the world. Each act of kindness, every prayer uttered, all the support, knits together the fabric of our community, making it whole once more. This Kiddush Hashem is a protective light in the darkness. Let’s keep it strong.

YOUR LEADERSHIP NOW

You — the spouse, the parent, the student, the business owner — you are the leaders of today and tomorrow. Your leadership is needed now more than ever.

In the face of darkness, our united light shines brightest. Imagine a world where our togetherness overpowers any challenge, where the strength of our community upholds the very essence of hope and peace. This is the world within our grasp, forged through our collective actions and unshakable emunah. Standing united, let us ask ourselves: how will this chapter in our history be remembered?

With Hashem in our hearts and unity in community, let’s move forward courageously, setting an example of resilience and compassion that will bring Moshiach quickly and illuminate the path for generations to come.