Leading with Generosity: Boundaries in Jewish Leadership

Rachel Green, LCSW�Director of Programs and Services

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Soft Like a Reed

Soft Like a Reed�https://www.sefaria.org/

• Rabbi Yoḥanan elaborates: …Just as this reed stands in a place of water, and its shoots replenish themselves when cut, and its roots are numerous for a plant of its size, and even if all the winds in the world come and blow against it, they cannot move it from its place, rather, it sways with them until the winds subside, and the reed still stands in its place, the same applies to the Jewish people. After all the difficulties that they endure, they will ultimately survive and return home.

Soft Like a Reed

• Flexible (can adapt to the changing “wind”)
• Grounded (values, ethics)
• Strength in numbers (supported by each other)
• Boundaries (knows where one begins and one ends)

Generous?

“Make a mantra. I need something to hold on to—literally—during those awkward moments when an ask hangs in the air. So I bought a silver ring that I spin while silently repeating, "Choose discomfort over resentment." My mantra reminds me that I'm making a choice that's critical for my well-being—even if it's not easy.”

Brené Brown, PhD, researches vulnerability, shame, courage and worthiness at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work. Excerpt from Oprah.com and from Daring Greatly

“Keep a resentment journal. Whenever I'm marching around muttering cuss words under my breath, I grab what I lovingly refer to as my Damn It! Diary and write down what's going on. I've noticed that I'm most resentful when I'm tired and overwhelmed—i.e., not setting boundaries.”

Brené Brown, PhD, researches vulnerability, shame, courage and worthiness at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work. Excerpt from Oprah.com and from Daring Greatly

�� “Rehearse: I'll often say, to no one in particular, "I can't take that on" or "My plate is full." Like many worthwhile endeavors, boundary setting is a practice.”��

Brené Brown, PhD, researches vulnerability, shame, courage and worthiness at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work. Excerpt from Oprah.com and from Daring Greatly

Boundary Scenario #1

 Identify a situation or scenario where you had a boundary or boundaries crossed. Try to be as specific as possible. 

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Break Out Groups

Step One- Identify Boundary

1.  Share briefly about what happened in the situation.
2. Which type of boundary was crossed?
3. How did you feel towards your self and the other party after the situation was over?

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Break Out Groups

Step Two: Setting the Boundary

1. Boundary- how might you have set a boundary in this situation? 

2. Integrity- if this boundary had been set, how would this have helped you stay in your integrity to yourself and the other party? 

3. Generosity- how would boundary setting have helped you end in a feeling of generosity towards the other party?