Our Baby is Growing Up

Pride & Prejudice was born two years ago during several conversations with members of our Inclusion Initiative when we wanted to find a way to discuss how all of us could be more sensitive to others, more aware of the needs of fellow Jewish men, and more aware of our own shortcomings in acceptance of others. It seems we not only created the quarterly publication but also started a trend as other FJMC International initiatives copied our format. We’re flattered and proud.

Our hardworking editorial team developed regular features over the past year and a half, such as Letters to the Editor, Prosemitism Jewish pride pieces, a commemorative awareness calendar, and our bubble page of quick hitting quotes or facts. Each edition has an inclusive theme and we are so appreciative for the thoughtful individuals who have contributed informative, sensitive and meaningful works for us to include.

As I personally say farewell to being the head of this amazing team that has brought you all these Pride & Prejudice editions, I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you what I’ve learned from each of them.

Aaron Altman taught me there’s always a way to improve what we do and how we do it. And that the best way to communicate about that is a two-way conversation on the phone rather than email and text. Not much gets misinterpreted when you talk to people, but plenty gets misinterpreted in text when one can’t hear the voice inflection or the chuckle, passion, or concern during the conversation nor the immediate need for clarification. Aaron emails and texts but more often he picks up the phone and says, “Do you have a minute?” Smart!

Dr. Steven Mandel taught me that everyone needs some help from others. His ability to create a most meaningful essay on so many different topics; participate in so many diverse communities that help people; motivate others to match his drive every day on behalf of physical, mental and emotional support organizations; and on top of all of it, his kindness, humanity and sincerity have been a daily lesson to myself and others. Quite the model of seflessness.

Lisa Pollack taught me that even in the face of deadlines, one can be pleasant, professional, thoughtful and appreciative. Lisa never says it can’t be done. She never gets upset with us. When we add a video file to an edition, make past-the-deadline edit corrections, or find we must go through the images in an upcoming edition to ensure we have permission to use them all, Lisa just smiles and gets the job done. Supportive – always.

Bob Watts taught me that being creative is doable. He is remarkable at quickly being able to identify what will be easy to implement technologically and what won’t. But Bob doesn’t stop because something might be hard to do or even impossible. Instead, he does it anyway or finds the workaround, how to get it all accomplished albeit sometimes in a different, more feasible manner. Yes, we can seems to be Bob’s motto.

Alan Budman is now re-entering the leadership role for FJMC International’s Inclusion Initiative, having been the founder of the initiative a few years ago and being the Immediate Past Present of FJMC International. Alan agreed to step in as I find more need to focus my time and energy as International Region President, growing FJMC International’s footprint around the world, bringing the diaspora of Jewish men together to engage in Friendship, Judaism, Mentorship and Community. I learned from Alan that as a leader:  you make decisions that you know are right; you persevere even when facing some negative headwinds; and you support others when they need you. Leadership lessons for us all.

I look forward to watching our two-year old baby grow and being an avid reader of what I’m certain will be more and more meaningful editions of Pride & Prejudice.