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August 26 Message

“One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say.” – Bryant H. McGill

Shabbat Shalom!

Did you know that one of the hardest things to do is to listen? I mean really listen…paying full attention to the person that is speaking! There are books and many articles written on the “art of listening”! Seriously!

In the curriculum of our Leadership Institute we talk about listening, both verbal and non-verbal. Studies have shown, that many of us listen, but with half an ear…the other half is our brain working to respond, give a personal example or thinking of something totally unrelated. Our body language lets others know if we are truly listening too. Are you making eye contact? Are you leaning in and listening? Or are you standing with your arms crossed…and not because you are cold! Or is your head nodding up and down in agreement? Did you interject a question to clarify what the other person said? Did you put your hand on a shoulder in respond to something said?

Why did I chose this quote…today,now? Because I would love for each of “my sisters” to think about our listening skills! Are you reading this and thinking about what to make for dinner (chicken or brisket of course, it’s Shabbat)? Seriously, let’s focus on listening to one another, with respect, this week or this year! Many conflicts with our “sisters”, with friends and family can be resolved easily if we just think about listening with respect.

Sisterhoods are coming together to start working on the coming year…..are you listening to the suggestions that are being made around the table? Or are some sitting and shaking their heads “no”? (Hopefully, some are also shaking their heads up and down with a smile on their face, too) Are there some “rolling their eyes” ? All forms of listening! Let’s show compassion and respect…for everyone’s ideas. When we really start listening, we engage others. We learn from one another. And the best is that we can grow our sisterhoods that way! And, isn’t that our goal….to create larger, and more engaged communities? To create that safe place to share ideas, with no judgement. To enrich one another by spending time listening to each other.

Wishing each of you a Shabbat filled with peace and love,

Carol