Rolling Up My Sleeves

Last night I was elected president of my temple. The most common reaction I get when I share this news is, “Are you crazy? Why are you doing that? It’s so much work.” And it is certainly a lot of work, work I am taking on just as I have begun writing my first novel and finally, in retirement, have significant leisure time. But I have two answers. First, someone needs to do it, and second, I am good at it.

At an event last week, a speaker reminded us of former Congresswoman Pat Schroeder’s observation:

               “You can’t wring your hands and roll up your sleeves at the same time.”

So, I can either wring my hands and worry about the future of a congregation that has welcomed me and given me a spiritual home, or I can roll up my sleeves and do the work that needs to be done to sustain it. My service comes at a time when, like congregations of all denominations, particularly in the rural Northeast, we are located where our local population is declining, we have an aging building to maintain, and most of our congregants are older. However, we have a young, energetic Rabbi, some new families with school-aged children, and a dedicated group of lay leaders. I am not alone in making a commitment to serve.

Our needs, I believe, correspond to my leadership skills and experience. I enjoy problem solving, collaborating, and creating shared goals. I have always fostered new leadership. I know how to run effective meetings and I am willing to ask people to invest in us with their time, talents, and treasure. I cannot do the latter if I am not willing to give of myself.

I know I will be challenged. Like any organization, we have traditions people are reluctant to change. There are politics and personalities to be considered. And I will admit that when the first temple-related email arrived at 7:30 this morning, I thought perhaps my friends are right.

But in my heart I know I am doing the right thing.