Pacing is important.
I have a dear friend who is a runner, and she taught me how to run in a way that felt accessible. On one of our first runs together—both of us just a few months postpartum—she shared something that completely changed my mindset. She said, “Just slow down. You don’t have to stop, just slow down.”
Until that moment, I had always believed that if I couldn’t keep up with my planned pace, I might as well give up. But she showed me a more effective approach—one that prioritizes sustainability over rigidity. I’ve carried that wisdom in my heart ever since.
As we grow older, simple yet profound lessons like this seem obvious. Even as I write this, I feel a bit embarrassed to share something so straightforward. But as groundbreaking psychologist Marsha M. Linehan wisely said, “It’s simple, not easy.” Slowing down when all we want to do is just finish can be a real challenge. And yet, in any successful organization, pacing is essential. Sometimes, progress requires moving slower than we’d like—but the reverse can also be true.
Almost two years ago, when my term began, we were hearing concerns about the speed of change and how many people in our community felt out of the loop. I know many of us are experiencing something similar at the national level right now. While the pace of change was a factor, other issues—such as communication breakdowns and siloed programming—also played a role. To truly bring the Temple Beth Tikvah community along, we had to slow down and be more intentional. Today, the feedback we receive is far less about concern and far more about excitement for all that we’re accomplishing together!
I encourage you to keep sharing your thoughts and, most importantly, to enjoy being part of our community—especially as two of my favorite holidays, Purim and Passover, approach. Mark your calendars, RSVP, and I’ll see you there!
L’shalom,
Cere