I’m currently reading a fascinating book called, “Thou Shall Prosper” by Rabbi Daniel Lapin. Rabbi Lapin was named one of the top 50 Rabbis in America by Newsweek...I have no idea how you get on a list like that but it sounds impressive. He is an author and speaker to synagogues, churches, organizations and businesses.
At the end of the first chapter, Lapin encourages the reader to write a piece, such as an editorial or op-ed or speech proclaiming the nobility and morality of business; so I decided I would do the homework.
In fact, as I write, I think this will become a short series, perhaps a 4- part blog post.
Since much of the book is based on the Old Testament Scriptures, you could argue it is timeless in it’s relevance. But I would suggest that much of what the Rabbi says is of particular importance for us today.
I’m not sure there has been a time in my life where most everyone is more divided, aggressive and entrenched in social, political, economical and cultural camps than today. Perhaps social media has only raised these issues in a more public and accessible way.
Taking Care of Business
You get up every morning from your alarm clocks warning
Take the 8:15 into the city
There’s a whistle up above,
people pushin people shovin,
and the girls who try to look pretty
And if your train’s on time
you can get to work by nine,
and start your slavin job to get your pay
if you ever get annoyed, look at me I’m self-employed
I get to work at nothing all day
And I’ll be taking care of business, everyday
taking care of business every way…
Okay, how many of you just started singing?
But when you do think of business, what comes to mind?
Do you think of greedy corporations, only out to make profit for top brass and shareholders?
Do you think of your local variety store, where you know the owner by name, because he or she works there 7 days a week. I actually prayed with an employee at my local food mart one time and all I know is her name is Ashley…but I digress.
Or maybe you think about the business that keeps your small town employed; maybe it’s a mill or newspaper or small manufacturer of some sort.
Or maybe you have a “business district” in your city? Tall office towers or rows of shops offering everything from dry cleaning to dried flowers.
Maybe you’re thinking of your place of work now and your boss who is a real jerk. I think most of us have had a jerk boss at one time or another, I certainly have. They can make going to work almost unbearable…I hope you’re not in that situation and I’m sorry if you are..I’ve been there and it’s hard.
When you think of business, you probably have fairly strong opinions and emotions to go along with them’ perhaps you’ve voiced online or in your local coffee shop or office lunch room.
When I suggest that business is noble, honourable and moral what are you inclined to think and feel?
Next week we’ll take a closer look at the things that influence our views of business in general and why it matters.
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