Why Our Values Matter More Than Ever
Growing up, I had plenty of lessons in the power of words.
My dad was a psychiatrist who raised my awareness about the power of the inner mind. I’ll never forget when he practiced hypnosis on me so I could think clearly before a math test. (It worked!)
My mom taught both Hebrew School and Sunday School, and gave us four kids unconditional love and a deep appreciation of a key teaching in Judaism — “tikkun olam.” It’s a commandment to “heal the world.”
As I reflect back, I’m award that above all else, we lived by a set of values.
Kindness. Respect. Justice.
If someone felt upset in the family, each of us was equally able to call a family meeting. We’d sit around the kitchen table, discussing concerns, and together, we’d come to a solution. We kids knew when we misbehaved, so we said our apologies. Likewise, if we were mad at a parent, we had the right to call a family meeting. We learned the importance of getting along.
Now, though my parents are now gone, my siblings and I are still close. We hold Zoom family meetings every Sunday morning, just to stay in touch.
What values are important to you? If family is important, can you make time for them?
In a world that’s increasingly divided by disrespect, what can you do to speak up for justice?
In spite of the upheaval around us, how can we exemplify the values of integrity, compassion, and unity?
Those values have never been more vital. When we toss away those guiding principles that anchor our humanity, we’re breaking apart the connections we need to one another.
When we live with values, they can change communities. They can change lives. And most of all, they can change the world.
Now, more than ever, we need every voice—your voice—to speak up and stand up. For justice. For equity. For love. While we’re witnessing a shocking disregard for kindness, empathy and justice, we must not take the easy route. Don’t retreat into silence. I ask you to be courageous. To live by decency.
I believe it’s not always the loudest voice that makes the difference. Instead, it’s the consistent one. The one that’s based in truth, humility and heart-centered love for humankind.
A Living Example of Unity in Action
Let me tell you a story of unity. It’s a powerful example of values in motion, based on an interfaith friendship that blossomed into action at the Texas border.
Four years ago, friends from three very different religious communities—my rabbi Bruce Elder from Congregation Hakafa, Reverend Jeff Braun from the Winnetka Congregational Church, and Asif Masood, from the Muslim Community Center in Morton Grove—came together with one shared purpose: to serve.
United by compassion, they volunteered with members from their respective groups to bring meals and human connection to immigrants. These were families fleeing hardship, seeking safety and hope—people often met with skepticism or silence. But this trio of faith leaders and their flock brought something different: kindness, unity, and dignity. Those values are more needed than ever today!
Their collaboration wasn’t just about providing food. It was about feeding the spirit of humanity. As they worked side-by-side, their differences faded into the background. What remained was a bond formed through service—a friendship sealed by shared values and a desire to help those in need.
That story reminds us that when we step outside our comfort zones to serve a greater good, walls come down. Hearts open. And bridges are built—not just between faiths, but between souls.
The Call to Speak and Serve
We are all needed.
Let’s not underestimate the ripple effect of kindness. Let’s not wait for “someone else” to stand up for what is right.
Because compassion is contagious.
Integrity is inspiring.
And values are the seeds of lasting change.
Together, let’s be bold enough to care. To be courageous enough to act.
And to be committed enough to build a world where justice and kindness walk hand in hand.
Make a difference with your stories.
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