Years ago, when I began organizing, I learned the Hebrew word kavannah.  It's a powerful word.  Sometimes translated as "intentionality" or literally "direction", doing things with kavannah is about meaning what you say or do, as opposed to simply going through the motions of what is expected.  It's usually applied to prayers or mitzvot, but it's also a good analogy for any action or thought. It's about authenticity, purpose, commitment, and reflection.  With kavannah you are absolutely conscious about what you are doing while you're doing it.  Kavannah helps to infuse the uncertain journey of life with meaning. 

This month, as I began my tenure with JOI, I have found myself thinking frequently back to kavannah.  Like any organizer, I spent my first month as the new Executive Director doing one-on-ones with fellows and alumni, board members and donors, funders, partners and other stakeholders.  I have been exploring questions about JOI's essence and about its possibilities.  Who do we want to be?  How can we best increase our impact? What is this new environment we are operating in?  How can we relate to each other?  What is it we have to learn and give?  What can we imagine together about what is possible? 

The conversations have been stimulating, often provocative and diverse.  "If we focus on building young Jewish organizers, we need more and better organizing placements."  "We must reconsider the model if we are going to succeed in expanding our reach."  "We ought to leverage more Jewish power towards the social justice issues we work on."  "We must focus on recruitment and identify our target audience."  "First and foremost, we need to develop our financial base." Through these conversations, with all of their complexities and challenges, I have been reassured that JOI is ready for the change that was presented to me in my interview process. 

I also learned that JOI as an organization has a ton of kavannah.  It is truly a community of people seeking to build on its rich history and important mission of creating a community of skilled Jewish organizers.  It is committed to reflecting, continually improving, and having a greater impact than before.  It is a "learning organization" by its very definition, something to which funders and fellows alike are powerfully drawn. 

These conversations reinforced my decision to join the organization in the first place.  I am proud to bring my passion to bear as JOI's Executive Director, and to help turn our best ideas and all of our energy into a powerful, effective organization that impresses its stamp on the world.  I've no illusions that this will be easy, and I'm certain our growth will require change, but I'm as committed as you are to the quest.  I invite you to jump again into JOI's journey, with kavannah.