I am not a Tzara (Leper)

Now that I am a Pressman Parent and I begin to meet more and more parents it has become somewhat enjoyable to see the various reactions of people when they find out what I do for the community.   I have had various experiences from the, "That's the last person we want to meet", who says "Nice to meet you, now forget our names." To the "guilty", who says, "Nice to meet you, I am pretty sure we made an annual gift this year."  To the "Deer in headlights" who either does not respond or looks at me like I just said, "I am the Director of Development (insert evil laugh)."  Sometimes I feel like the leper we read about in this week's Torah Portion that must be sent out of the community.

When I would first come across some of these reactions, I almost felt apologetic, almost as if I needed to say, "Sorry, I am just here as my daughter's Abba today," but the more I thought about it, these reactions provided great learning opportunities for the community.   I had a window to share why I love being a development professional, especially for such a wonderful community as Temple Beth Am/Pressman Academy.  It is the community where  I met my wife, where we held the Simhat Bat (Daughter's Naming Ceremony) for our daughter, our Brit Milah (Circumcision Celebration) for our son and where our daughter is now enrolled in school.

Four Ring Knot

I love that I play an important role in Jewish Continuity.  I love that I can lead the charge to raise funds so that no family is ever turned away from a Jewish Education whether it be in the Early Childhood Center, Day School or Jewish Learning Community due to financial need.   I love that I can work with members of the community so that they have the opportunity to do something that is extremely meaningful to them.  I give people the opportunity to be a role model for their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

During my son's Brit Milah, I looked out in the room and I could have seen donors, but I saw friends.  I saw the people I wanted to be surrounded by and the people that wanted to be with me to celebrate a meaningful day in my life.   I am not sure if there is another job where I could "hang-out" with people 50+ years my senior and call them my friends.  I don't know if there is another job where in one day I can interact with four generations of one family for four different reasons.

I have a pretty awesome job, so I don't need to apologize for it.  I just hope you love the community as much as I do and you choose to support it generously with a meaningful gift (above dues and tuition).  Also, don't be afraid to share with me what you love about it (and also what you would improve). 

I am not a leper, embrace me, for I am a fellow congregant, a fellow parent and I am a person that believes in the importance of building Jewish community and continuity.