Authenticity Is Key

Today is the day on which we honor Civil Rights Leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Today is also the second day of the North American Jewish Day School Conference. I was privileged to have the opportunity to participate in both the conference, and the SuLaM (Study-Leadership-Mentoring) Shabbaton that preceded the gathering of approximately 650 attendees from throughout the world.

During the Shabbaton, the concept of kedusha and how sacred space, sacred time, sacred place, and sacred living impact us in many different ways.

On a break between the end of the Shabbaton and the commencement of the conference, I had the privilege of visiting the Ebenezer Baptist Church Heritage Sanctuary, the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the memorial to Dr. King, which includes an eternal flame. A plaque at the eternal flame is inscribed with the following: “The Eternal Flame symbolizes the continuing effort to realize Dr. King’s ideals for the ‘Beloved Community’ which requires lasting personal commitment that cannot weaken when faced with obstacles.”

Having just participated in many learning sessions focusing on sacred space, which for many is the synagogue, I could not help but notice the significance of the eternal flame. In the synagogue, it is one of the focal points of the pulpit. And it was an engaging, captivating aspect of the somber yet enlightening memorial I visited yesterday. I had the pleasure of being joined by several of my SuLaM Cohort 4 members, including Judith Rose, shown here (on the left) with me.

Learning surrounds us, no matter where we are. The core values and similarities in our quest for living with sacred space, sacred practices and a continued quest for improvement and learning knows no boundaries of race or religion.

Respecting others is paramount.

Dr. King, whose dream for a world where civil rights were a given, was a remarkable man whose impact is impossible to measure. He was authentic, and true to his vision.

How does this impact me personally? In particular, there is one parallel that immediately came  to mind following my first session of this conference, which focused on the importance of customer service and striving for excellence. The session was titled The Nordstrom Way, The Hyatt Touch and Jewish Day Schools (facilitated by Arnold Zar Kessler and Pearl Kane).

Again, the message that authenticity is key is what stood out.

Finding humanity in one another, and ultimately showing respect, is a goal that we as educators, administrators, religious leaders, consultants and everyday people can only benefit from and should always strive to reach.

In closing, I plan to put the “Building Blocks of Customer Service” from my inaugural NAJDS Conference session,  to good use:  Conviction, Trust, Satisfaction, Loyalty, Goodwill, Commitment, Delight, and Experience. These qualities are essential for success.