A Jewish child who reaches the age of 13-years becomes a bar (son) or bat (daughter) mitzvah (of the commandments). Culturally, this right of passage from childhood to adulthood signifies becoming an adult member of the community. In modern times, the child will spend years studying history, Hebrew language, culture and customs, bible and commentaries. The course of study culminates with leading a congregation in worship; thereby demonstrating their ability to serve as an adult member of the community.
A few weeks ago, my oldest niece became a bat mitzvah. She was absolutely awesome. Honestly, there was no way should couldn’t have been. She attended all the classes, afternoon Hebrew School, and Religious School. She spent the last year studying the portion of the Five Books of Moses (the Torah) that she would be chanting to the community gathered at our synagogue. She rehearsed, studied, and devoted time to doing acts of loving kindness in the community. She rehearsed and practiced.
She met all the requirements and attained the goals set out at the beginning. She did what was expected and what was anticipated.
Years ago, my brother and I went to the same classes and stood on the pulpit leading worship. My sons stood in the same synagogue as my niece and led worship. Looking back, more than 99-percent of our children have accepted the challenge and reached expectations set forth.
Why?
What makes a 13-year old take on years of added work to take part in a tradition that is centuries old? Some children do better then others; they all complete the requirements. How many can say the same thing about their colleagues, co-workers, or subordinates?
Perhaps,
- The task is clearly defined. Expectations are well scripted. Challenges are understood.
- The action is an integrated part of the culture. The action is one of multiple fundamental components of the culture.
- The task is relatively simple – it is clear and concise. The action is concise; it requires years of preparation.
- The team (family) is all moving in the same direction. They share the goals, strategies, actions, and objectives,
- Once completed, there are defined intrinsic and tangible rewards provided to the participant.
The action is centuries old. Even though it has been performed for thousands of years, each generation is tasked with maintaining the relevancy of the action. Each generation has added its own unique perspective; the milestone posses the same relevancy today as it did hundred or thousands of years ago.
I find it ironic that every child who accepts the challenge of this right of passage is successful. There are children whose parents drive them to this milestone; there are children who follow the path willingly. Couched in religious overtones, historic significance, and cultural understanding, the act of a child accepting a journey and successfully mastering a new set of skills and competencies is awesome.
Think about the last week or two weeks in your professional life. Relive the meetings, one-on-one discussions, dialogues, brainstorming sessions. Would your energy and time have been more successful if the task was clearly defined; there was cultural approval for engaging in the journey; the goal was clear and concise; the team was focused and moving as one; and most of all, the focus was not on the tangible reward but the sheer act of completing the challenge.
I always have believed all I needed to know, I learned in kindergarten. Looking back, I learned a lot in kindergarten; I understood the importance of the learning when I became a man. Thanks mom and dad.
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