Reflections on Obama's Cairo Speech

A lot of people are talking about Obama's speeches in Cairo, and his visit to Buchenwald. I wanted to pass along the reaction from PLP's Rhoda Weisman, with some strategic edits! A big Shabbat Shalom to everyone, hope to see you at either Brewer's festival in Forest Park on Saturday, the New Jewish Theater, or the Gramophone Saturday night, or the RFT's Music Showcase on the Loop on Sunday

To our PLP Community,

I hope you were able to watch the historic speeches made by President Obama this week. I was deeply moved and energized by his words, and reinvigorated to truly make lasting change..

President Obama is strategic in utilizing his leadership and visioning talents to shape the future. He understands that entrepreneurial leaders inspire great change, a belief shared by PLP.

Additionally inspiring was the President's belief that peace is paramount to global change and that America and Israel's bonds are both enduring and unbreakable. As he said, "the Talmud tells us: 'The whole of the Torah is for the purpose of promoting peace.'" Peace requires not only vigilance against intolerance, but also the strength to be proactive in creating the world we want to live in. I was awed that, at Buchenwald today, he was "reminded of the human capacity for good." He recounted the many "acts of courage and kindness" that have sustained our community.

It's is a good time for all of us to reflect on the kind of change we hope to make in the world. Consider your contributions to the Jewish community, and if needed, increase your involvement through volunteering, in your professional role, and Tzedakah.

As our President said, I too believe that we, as leaders, share the obligations that are the "price and promise of citizenship" of our Jewish community. PLP Talent embody the "spirit of service" that defines next gen leadership, and I want to hear what you are doing. Click here to post on our Facebook group how you are answering the call to make our community even better in the 21st century.

All my best and Shabbat Shalom
Rhoda