As you can imagine, the clergy team at CNS is faced with a wide variety of decisions to be made every day. Part of leadership is honing decision-making skills. You have to weigh multiple perspectives and outcomes of the decisions you’ll make, and over the years I’ve gotten better at trusting my gut. Like any healthy organization, we don’t make decisions in a silo; we use our collective wisdom to understand and move forward. This is a lesson that comes from the richness of our texts as well.

This week we read Parshat Miketz, which details Joseph’s rise to power in Egypt, his interpretation of Pharaoh’s dreams, and the beginning of the reconciliation of the brothers when they unknowingly come before him for support. If we focus on Joseph as a leader, it becomes clear that his ability to interpret dreams has positioned him as an indispensable figure in Egyptian society. Put yourself in Joseph’s shoes. How would you feel about going from jailed nobody to top official in a relatively short time?

Perhaps it’s remembering that his wisdom only works in partnership with God that keeps Joseph grounded. As just one of our community leaders, I know that for decisions to be effective, they have to be made with wisdom, partnership, and generosity of spirit. Our decisions are not only a team effort, but they look to our ethical and moral guide, the Torah. For that, we have a blessing to keep us grounded. This blessing is often recited upon seeing a wise person, and it can serve as a way to reflect on Joseph’s God-given insight.

Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech HaOlam, she-natan michochmato levasar va-dam.

Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of the Universe, who has given wisdom to flesh and blood.

– Rabbi Eve Posen

Source: For Wisdom and Leadership