WRJ Voices: Pekudei

Where do we look? How do we find them?

This week’s Torah portion, Pekudei, concludes the book of Exodus. The construction of the Mishkan or portable Tabernacle used by the Israelites in the desert is complete and we are told of its success. “And the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the Presence of God filled the Tabernacle.” (Exodus 40:34). A temple had been built for God and He has chosen to dwell in it.

The next verse is quite surprising when we realize that Moses and God’s overwhelming presence could not be in the tent at the same time. The Tabernacle was so holy that not even Moses could enter it. God needed to be fully present, excluding all others, in order to make it obvious to the Israelites that he was indeed there. “A cloud of God by day and a pillar of fire by night” (Exodus 40:38). When the cloud lifted, this indicated God’s presence had retreated and Moses could enter the Tent and interact with Him.

As we begin to look for new leadership in our sisterhoods and women’s groups at this time of year, do we find ourselves saying we don’t have anyone to step up? Are we seeing new faces at our sisterhood events or are the same women pitching in over and over?

The lesson of God’s overwhelming presence and then retreat in this parashah teaches us how we need to be fully present, but then leave the room to listen to those women we don’t often hear from. Take the time to set up in-person meetings for coffee or even a few minutes after services, to ask what excites her about sisterhood, what energizes her, what are her passions, and then step back and listen. Really listen.

Making room for a meaningful exchange with others is the first step to finding your next leader. Being fully present and giving the women of your congregation a chance to be heard, even if you don’t know them – maybe, especially if you don’t know them! Listening to those unfamiliar faces and giving them a chance to also be fully present. Then, acting on what you’ve learned. Is she interested in Social Action? Ask her to attend WRJ’s upcoming Social Justice Conference. Is she interested in having fun, away from her young kids? She might have great programming ideas and be a fit for that committee. At the very least, she will be most appreciative you cared enough to ask and listen. WRJ online resources in Yammer about Listening Campaigns can help get you started.

Like the lesson of God’s presence and retreat at the Tabernacle, developing leadership starts with bringing our full selves and engaging in meaningful interactions with fellow members. Then, move over and make some room for your new sisters. You won’t be sorry.

Jennifer Daley currently serves as President of WRJ Southwest District. She enjoys facilitating WRJ conference workshops on Innovative Programming, Intergenerational Programming and Turning New Members into Leaders. She is immediate past-president of Congregation Gates of Prayer Sisterhood in Metairie, LA and lives in New Orleans, LA.