When is individual action not enough? Is it always enough?

Read the passage below: As change-makers working within systems, there are times we are able to see the progress we are making and at other times, we may sometimes question our own ability to make a difference. As we do more without necessarily seeing change taking place, we may become frustrated by the systemic failures which do not address the core fundamental challenges.

Read the passage below: Recognizing our role as individuals operating within systems prompts us to think about what we can and cannot change on our own accord. Exploring the value of humility as we are trying to bring about change can help guide us through the places where we might feel stuck and help us think about where we might be able to do even more. Some of the strongest role models and leaders we have in the Jewish tradition have faced this same tension – negotiating their individual capacities with their mission to effect systemic change. One of the deepest values they carried with them as they grew into leadership roles was the value of humility. Moshe/Moses, the iconic Jewish leader who led the Israelites out of Egypt is the prime example of where we see this at play.   Moshe was a leader who always saw injustice and tried to solve problems. In the book of Exodus, right before the revelation at Sinai, Moshe’s father in law, Yitro, a Midianite priest has come to see how his son-in-law and the people he leads are faring. The narrative describes that Yitro saw Moshe leading the people alone and sitting in judgment without a team, and this gave him cause for concern. He questioned the impact Moshe was really making utilizing this approach, and as an outsider looking in was able to offer a suggestion. Read what Yitro said and then respond to the prompts below:

"What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. Listen now to me and I will give you advice, and may God be with you...Select capable men from all the people-men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gainand appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and so too all these people will reach their place in peace.” (Exodus 18:17-23)

While undoubtedly Moshe wanted to set up the most effective system for judgment, it must not have been simple for him to hear this critique and suggestion, as it pointed to a place where he had hit a wall operating on his own. Nonetheless, he exercised the quality of humility for which he is best known and heeded Yitro’s advice.

Facilitator prompts the group: At the conclusion of your service work, take a few moments to reflect on your own individual capacities and what you might need to keep on going so that your individual actions can lead to systemic change. Ask yourself:

• Who is your Yitro – ie – the outsider who can look in and see what it is that you need to keep you motivated?
• How can the value of humility keep you motivated as you continue with service and justice work?

Make Commitments:

• As you consider committing to more service, think about the person you named above to keep you motivated as you work on an individual level to bring about systemic change. What do you need from them?

 

Read the passage below: Today’s exploration hits at a core conflict that can appear in almost any service work we do: negotiating the balance between individual action and systemic change. Drawing upon Jewish models and deepening our understanding of how humility can illuminate our own expectations and limitations allows for a more nuanced reflection on what we can and cannot do. Leaning into humility as a value opens a space for us to articulate who we need in our lives to keep us motivated. Facilitator prompts the group:

• I now know that to keep motivated in my service work I need …

Read the passage below:

Today’s exploration hits at a core conflict that can appear in almost any service work we do: negotiating the balance between individual action and systemic change. Drawing upon Jewish models and deepening our understanding of how humility can illuminate our own expectations and limitations allows for a more nuanced reflection on what we can and cannot do. Leaning into humility as a value opens a space for us to articulate who we need in our lives to keep us motivated.

Facilitator prompts the group:

• I now know that to keep motivated in my service work I need …