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Builders of Community
A Message From Lisa Long, Federation Chief Executive Officer
We talk about mission. We talk about impact. We talk about budgets, strategy, and growth. But we don’t always talk about how the way we show up for one another shapes the very community we are trying to build. The tone in our meetings, the questions we ask, the way we challenge ideas, the way we respond in moments of disagreement — all of it matters.
Jewish communal work is not just a job. For many professionals, especially those who are part of the Jewish community themselves, this work is deeply personal. It is identity. It is responsibility. It is, at times, all-consuming. In Jewish tradition, we are taught in Pirkei Avot: “Al tifrosh min ha’tzibur,” do not separate yourself from the community. We often think of this as a call to participate. But it is also a reminder that once we are part of a community, we are responsible for how that community feels and functions.
Another teaching in Pirkei Avot reminds us: “Chacham lev yikach mitzvot,” the wise of heart take hold of opportunities to do good. Leadership is one of those opportunities. Every question we ask, every comment we make, every reaction we have is a chance to either strengthen or strain the people doing this work. Strong organizations are not built solely on strategy; they are built on trust and the belief that the people in the room are capable, committed, and trying every day to move the community forward. Judaism does not ask us to avoid hard conversations. In fact, Pirkei Avot teaches: “Eizehu chacham? Halomed Mikol Adam.” Who is wise? One who learns from every person.
Leadership requires thoughtful questions, accountability and high standards. But leading also requires how we ask questions, like are we creating space for learning and growth, are we assuming positive intent, are we helping people succeed? Because accountability delivered with partnership builds stronger organizations. Accountability delivered without it can have the opposite effect. Every organization carries history, successes, challenges and lessons learned. Leadership calls us to focus not only on where we’ve been, but on where we are going. Again in Pirkei Avot, we are reminded: “Lo alecha hamlacha ligmor, v’lo atah ben chorin l’hibatel mimena.” It is not your responsibility to finish the work, but neither are you free to walk away from it. This work belongs to all of us. And it requires all of us — professionals and lay leaders alike — to approach it with a shared sense of purpose.
One person does not create the culture of an organization. It is built collectively, interaction by interaction, conversation by conversation. When people feel respected, trusted, and supported, they do their best work. And when people do their best work, the entire community benefits.
That is the kind of community I am working toward. One that is thoughtful, collaborative, and reflects the very values we hope to uphold. Because in the end, the question is not just what we build but how we build it and how we treat one another along the way.
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Read past LISA'S LONG VIEW columns HERE.