Download Leaders as Learners

Leaders As Learners
All of us connected to ACHARAI know that leaders need to be comfortable
with governance, relationships and strategic thinking. We also need to feel at
home in the world of ideas. In fact, leaders need to LIVE in the world of
ideas, always open to new concepts and innovative ways of viewing the
“givens” in our lives. As Jewish leaders, we know that when the world of
Judaism combines with the world of ideas, we have an irresistible force that
helps leaders grow and spur their organizations to grow with them.
The very last mitzvah in the Torah is the commandment to write a Torah
scroll. The commentators tell us that this commandment includes studying
the Torah, meditating on its lessons. This says to me that leaders are always
learning. No matter how busy we are, how many meetings we are running,
we always make time for study. It’s the one job that cannot be delegated.
Leaders read, think, study and learn new insights. That learning informs the
vision we offer, and the plans we formulate, to implement that vision.
Thinking of Jewish leadership as ACHARAI does, as leadership in a Jewish
way through a Jewish lens, we continue to learn, to apply Judaic principles
and values to all of our actions and activities. We lead our organizations to
join us as learners as we become more prepared, and better equipped, to
tackle the major issues of today: the weakening of Jewish affiliation and
commitment, the urgent need to build bridges to ALL Jews, and to create
and sustain a vibrant community. When leaders remain lifelong learners,
they transform into teachers, and their organizations grow with them and
beyond them – flourishing communities of learners and teachers, helping the
Jewish people thrive.
Aviva Weisbord
Executive Director, Shemesh