Speaking Truth to Power

A virtual event presentation by Dr. Russ Linden

The event was co-sponsored by Rodef Shalom

About the Event:

We Jews like to debate and argue – with each other, with our teachers, even with God. Indeed, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks ZT”L wrote that “God loves those who argue.”* Why? Because we mortals can’t see the entirety of an issue, so we need to hear another side. However, it’s one thing to debate and argue, and quite another to do so persuasively. How do we speak our truth so that those in power can consider it? In this session, we’ll learn from Abraham, Moses, and the five daughters of Zelophehad, who were able to help God see “another side” and change course.

*Rabbi Sacks’ essay is at: https://www.rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/shemot/god-loves-those-who-argue/

About the Speaker:

Russ is a management educator and author of six books. Since the mid-1980s he has taught public and nonprofit executives and managers about leadership, collaboration, the human side of change, resilience, crisis leadership, and related topics. His latest book is Loss and Discovery: What the Torah Can Teach Us about Leading Change. He has been an adjunct faculty member at the University of Virginia and the Federal Executive Institute for over 35 years. In 2003 he was the Williams Distinguished Visiting Scholar at the State University of New York (Fredonia) School of Business. He has consulted with numerous government agencies and elected officials, as well as nonprofits in the U.S. and Israel.

Russ is a former president of his congregation, where he sometimes gives the d’var Torah during Shabbat services. He was the president of the local Jewish federation and served on the University of Virginia Hillel board. Russ has Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Michigan. He has a Ph.D. in organizational leadership from the University of Virginia. His volunteer activities include leading an organization that works to make the community more open and welcoming for refugees and immigrants. He and his wife live in Charlottesville. They have two adult children and three grandchildren.