In This Issue:Parasha Yitro (Exodus 18:1-20:23) – D’var Torah
I’m in the back half of my last term as President of the Men of TAS, and I’d like to share a secret with you about leadership in this organization. In fact, it really is a secret to leadership in any organization. It is a secret I’ve used not only for the Men of TAS, but in my conference leadership activities and those activities at work where I’ve taken a leadership role. This evening, I’m going to share that secret with you.
First, surround yourself with good people.
Second, delegate what you can to those people, so you don’t have to do it all.
Third, trust in those people to do it right, and let those to whom you have delegated work know that you have confidence in them.
Now, let me let you in on a little secret about that secret: It’s not a secret, but advice from a wise father-in-law.
I asked the question of men from around the country: “What does Jewish Fatherhood mean to you?” It could be your relationship with your kids. It could be your relationship with your father. What have you done that makes it important to be a Jewish father? Does it mean something to you or does it even make a difference?
Some of the answers I received were very interesting.
One man answered: “Jewish Fatherhood is setting a good example for your children. That they should see you treat others well. That you show them the importance of living a life that is informed by Jewish values. That you show by example the value of learning, living a life guided by a loving heart and the importance of tzedakah.”
In This Issue:In This Issue:In This Issue:In my d’var torah at the MoTAS Shabbat, I talked about leadership, and encouraged the men in our congregation to be leaders. You have that opportunity right now.
Be a leader for MoTAS by supporting our Annual Appeal. MoTAS has done away with formal dues and membership; instead, we depend on the men of the congregation to support MoTAS with a contribution that reflects the value of the relationship that MoTAS brings to them, the congregation, and the community at large. Together in Brotherhood, we can do remarkable things with your support. You can find both online and printable donation forms at http://support.tasnorthridge-motas.org/ .
While you’re there, please consider showing leadership again by donating to our Kitchen Challenge. At the June Shabbabaque, MoTAS uncovered problems with the refrigeration and cooling in the kitchen. Our social hall has become a gem and an asset; let’s keep it that way with a working kitchen. MoTAS challenges you to contribute to repairing our kitchen with a matching grant of $1,500 — we will match the first $1,500 raised in the kitchen challenge. [Additionally, an anonymous MoTAS member has set up a matching match, and the Temple itself has set up another matching match — meaning each of the first $1,500 raised brings in 3 additional dollars!] The cost is high: estimates of $4,500 for the cooling, $3,200 for the refrigerators, and $4,100 for the freezer. Anything you donate will help us help TAS improve the kitchen. As with the Annual Appeal, online and printable donation forms are at http://support.tasnorthridge-motas.org/ .
For either the Annual Appeal or the Kitchen Challenge, donations of $100 or more will be acknowledged on our Wall of Honor. We thank you in advance for your support.
Men of Temple Ahavat Shalom 