Rabbi Judy Greenfeld of Nachshon Minyan On Five Things You Need To Be A Highly Effective Leader During Uncertain & Turbulent Times
Listen Actively to Your Community: During a crisis, it’s crucial to understand the concerns and needs of your team and stakeholders. By actively listening, you can address their worries and build trust.
As part of our series about the “Five Things You Need To Be A Highly Effective Leader During Turbulent Times”, we had the pleasure of interviewing Rabbi Judy Greenfeld.
Judy Greenfeld serves as Senior Rabbi/Cantor at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, TX, and founder of Nachshon Minyan, a welcoming community for unaffiliated Jews seeking to rewrite their negative stories about religion. As a lifelong entrepreneur and published author, Judy is dedicated to empowering forward-thinkers during turbulent times with practical tools from ancient philosophy and modern wellness. Beyond her Rabbinical duties, Judy’s mission is to cultivate inclusive spaces where people of all backgrounds can come together during uncertain times, find support, and explore a path of self-discovery and shared purpose.
Thank you so much for your time! I know that you are a very busy person. Our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your ‘backstory’ and how you got started?
I’ve always been a deep thinker and teacher. My father’s tragic death when I was sixteen led me to explore spirituality and healing through various modalities, including the arts and meditation. After having children, I became interested in Kabbalah and Judaism’s perspective on life and death. I was always skeptical when people said they had a ‘calling’ to become a religious leader, but I started to understand this calling around mid-life when I went to earn my Rabbinical Ordination. My love of teaching, writing, and nurturing people, combined with my passion for spirituality and Jewish tradition, made it the perfect path for me to guide and support others through the highs and lows of life.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
It’s true that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers, especially when we can find humor in them. As a Rabbi, I’ve made my fair share of mistakes on the pulpit. One particularly memorable moment involved a man who was reaching for the Torah. As he extended his hand, his dentures almost fell out — then he caught them! I couldn’t help but laugh, a reaction that felt completely inappropriate given my role as congregation leader. I didn’t want to embarrass him. It was a lesson in maintaining composure, even in unexpected and humorous situations.
Another mistake I still regret was calling a young girl the wrong name during her Bat Mitzvah. It was a simple oversight, but it caused me a great deal of embarrassment and guilt. Despite the shame, I’ve had to remind myself that we’re all human and we all make mistakes — even in leadership roles (perhaps especially in leadership roles!)
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story?
I’m incredibly grateful to my 95-year-old mother for her unwavering resilience and the leadership she’s modeled for me and my children, David and Samantha. I believe that leadership is learned, and my parents were the ultimate teachers in that regard. Observing their example has shaped my leadership style and helped me guide my children on their journeys.
Extensive research suggests that “purpose-driven businesses” are more successful in many areas. When your organization started, what was its vision, what was its purpose?
In my previous role at Nachson Minyan, which I co-founded in 2005, our vision was to create a welcoming and inclusive community for unaffiliated Jews in Los Angeles. We recognized the need for a space that would embrace individuals who felt disconnected from traditional synagogue practices and had experienced religious trauma. Our purpose was to provide a platform for these individuals to reconnect with their Jewish heritage on their own terms, fostering a sense of belonging and offering a new path forward in their spiritual journey.
Thank you for all that. Let’s now turn to the main focus of our discussion. Can you share with our readers a story from your own experience about how you lead your team during uncertain or difficult times?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Nachson Minyan faced significant challenges as we shifted to a virtual community. It was a difficult transition, but we recognized the importance of adapting to the changing circumstances. As leaders, we understood that standing still would mean stagnation, so we focused on bringing our community online. While the transition was challenging and led to a decrease in membership, I’m proud of our decision to embrace change and explore new ways of connecting with our community.
Did you ever consider giving up? Where did you get the motivation to continue through your challenges? What sustains your drive?
Absolutely! I think all leaders question their capacity to move forward, but it’s also about perspective. Leadership can be challenging, and it’s natural to question your abilities. However, maintaining a growth-oriented perspective and adaptability is crucial. When Nachson Minyan faced challenges, we pivoted our model and shifted to online. But ultimately, our membership declined, so we all shifted our full-time energy to other endeavors. Some might view this as a failure, but I see it as an opportunity to learn and trust that G-D has a better plan. I now serve as Senior Rabbi at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, TX, where I’m excited to apply the experiences and lessons I gained from leading Nachson Minyan.
I’m an author and I believe that books have the power to change lives. Do you have a book in your life that impacted you and inspired you to be an effective leader? Can you share a story?
Viktor Frankl’s landmark memoir Man’s Search for Meaning has had a profound impact on my life and leadership. His story of resilience and finding purpose in the face of immense suffering has been a constant source of inspiration. It’s a book that has helped me navigate my own challenges, develop a strong sense of purpose in my work, and develop a mindset that leadership is about perspective. Leadership is about seeing a bigger plan and guiding people to that end goal, rather than getting caught up in momentary distractions & minutiae.
What would you say is the most critical role of a leader during challenging times?
During challenging times, the most critical role of a leader is to maintain that perspective I referenced above. While others may become overwhelmed by frustration and pain, it’s the leader’s responsibility to keep the bigger picture in mind and guide others toward a higher vision. By staying focused on the ultimate goal and trusting in a divine plan, leaders can help their teams navigate difficult situations and emerge stronger.
When the future seems so uncertain, what is the best way to boost morale? What can a leader do to inspire, motivate and engage their team?
To boost morale during uncertain times, leaders must create a supportive and inclusive environment where team members truly feel valued and heard. By actively listening to their concerns, providing opportunities for input, and making decisions that reflect the broader group, leaders can inspire, motivate, and engage their team. When people feel seen, understood, and involved, they are more likely to remain positive and committed to the bigger cause.
What is the best way to communicate difficult news to one’s team and customers?
The key to communicating difficult news as a leader is to maintain a tone of positivity and confidence. If you’re unsure or afraid, projecting uncertainty or fear can undermine your leadership, and this uncertainty can have ripple effects in your community. Instead, focus on conveying a sense of strength and determination while also seeking guidance and mentorship from specific trusted confidantes if needed.
How can a leader make plans when the future is so unpredictable?
As the saying goes, ‘Man plans, God laughs.’ While we can’t control the unexpected, we can plan with flexibility in mind. Focus on creating adaptable strategies and building strong relationships. It’s your relationships & community that will sustain you when everything else feels like chaos.
Is there a “number one principle” that can help guide a company through the ups and downs of turbulent times?
Embrace change and evolution through turbulent times. If you’re not evolving (as an individual or an organization), then you’re dying!
Can you share 3 or 4 of the most common mistakes you have seen other businesses make during difficult times? What should one keep in mind to avoid that?
- Sticking to the status quo: Avoid clinging to outdated strategies or refusing to adapt to changing circumstances. Be open to innovation and new approaches.
- Operating in isolation: Don’t try to tackle challenges alone. Seek collaboration, partnerships, and support from others in your industry or community. Building stronger connections can help you weather the storm together.
- Neglecting communication: During difficult times, clear and open communication is essential. Keep your team informed, address concerns promptly, and maintain transparency to build trust and morale. A note here: while transparency is key, you also must communicate CONFIDENCE as a leader.
Here is the primary question of our discussion. Based on your experience and success, what are the five most important things a business leader should do to lead effectively during uncertain and turbulent times? Please share a story or an example for each.
1. Listen Actively to Your Community: During a crisis, it’s crucial to understand the concerns and needs of your team and stakeholders. By actively listening, you can address their worries and build trust.
2. Seek Guidance from Trusted Sources: Don’t be afraid to seek advice from experienced mentors or colleagues who have navigated similar challenges. Their insights can provide valuable guidance and prevent costly mistakes. And the word ‘trusted’ is key here — be careful to only take guidance from people who you know have your organization’s best interests at heart.
3. Reflect on Past Challenges and Triumphs: Drawing on your own experiences can help you identify patterns, learn from past mistakes, and develop effective strategies for the current situation.
4. Maintain Perspective and Focus on the Bigger Picture: Avoid getting bogged down in the details of the crisis. Instead, focus on your long-term goals and the overall direction of your organization. Once again, holding the big picture is a key aspect of leadership.
5. Trust in a Higher Power: Believe in your ability to lead your team through challenging times, and recognize that some aspects are out of your control, but a higher power is supporting you. By maintaining a positive outlook and fostering a supportive environment, you can inspire your team to overcome obstacles and achieve success.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
Stay open to adventure — never stop exploring! Some of the best things in my life have been completely unexpected, like moving to Texas to serve this new community as Senior Rabbi & Cantor. Trusting those intuitive nudges and following them has led to incredible rewards. This is a key aspect of leadership as well. See challenges as new opportunities and learn to embrace the unexpected.
How can our readers further follow your work?
Follow me on Instagram @rabbicantorjudyg and listen to my podcast interviews here, where I dive into complex topics like leadership, trauma, relationships, and personal healing and empower listeners to build a life with more meaning, purpose and connection.
Thank you so much for sharing these important insights. We wish you continued success and good health!
Rabbi Judy Greenfeld of Nachshon Minyan On Five Things You Need To Be A Highly Effective Leader… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.