On Day 2, we tackled the big apple Cultural Leadership style. We started off the morning with a meeting with Ed Koch, former mayor of New York City. Koch, a very accomplished man (ended a workers strike, served as mayor three times, wrote a memoir that became an Off-Broadway musical, and volunteered during the civil rights movement) shared his beliefs with us over scones and pulpy orange juice. Although we were receptive to Koch’s views, we definitely were “trouble makers of the best kind” questioning (borderline interrogating) Koch for his comments. Koch shared his most valuable life lesson and advised us not to “spend the rest of your life miserable because you didn’t have the courage to admit that you were wrong.” For any strong willed person, it’s hard to admit defeat. We’re sorry for giving you grey hair Mr. Koch (he he) and we will follow your advice.
After meeting Mr. Koch, we ventured to Park Avenue in the chilly drizzle and heard two inspirational rabbis from the National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership. Rabbi Brad Hirschfield praised us for answering our call to become leaders. This sounds absurd but it was a little surprising to be addressed as a leader. When did this happen? He was so supportive of Cultural Leadership’s mission and will become a regular for future trips (You are welcome Class 6!). Rabbi Irwin Kula immediately connected with the group through his honesty. He taught us “you are a leader when you are able to step back from the fray and see the big picture…the higher the view, the more you see. The more you see, the more compassionate you can be.” Even when we encounter people who we don’t agree with we can push our ego aside and experience the ‘view from the top’, which often can lead to a compromise. We are so fortunate to have the rabbis speak with us.
Our next excursion was to the National Urban League. On our way, we ‘trump’ed past the Donald Trump Building and wallowed through Wall Street. When we finally arrived to our destination, we bypassed an intense security situation (“I need to see some identification”) and received a warm welcome from the National Urban League staff. After an expansive history lesson about the National Urban League, we were provided with delectable gourmet catering. (We got juice AND desserts!) We were so thankful for their enthusiasm and raffle (it was rigged, two out of the three winners were trip leaders), it was hard for us to leave. But alas, we moved on.
Next stop, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. We learned their history, were showered with gifts (tote bags, umbrella – we’re set!). After a little law, we headed back home – well, to the hostel. Rabbi Jill Jacobs, one of Newsweek’s 50 most influential rabbis and a strong fighter for social justice, met with us. Rabbi Jacobs was able to mesh two things she cared deeply about – Judaism and social justice. She inspired us to get involved with social justice at an early age and stick with what we are truly passionate about.
After waiting what seemed like eternity for our New York Style pizza (seriously, we almost turned to cannibalism) we chowed down and reflected. Can’t wait for tomorrow!
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