How Do We Remain Optimistic in These Troubling Times?

A virtual event presentation by Dr. Russ Linden

EVENT CO-SPONSORED BY:

ABOUT THE EVENT:

January 6.
Our polarized society.
Oct. 7.
The war in Gaza.
The impact of climate change.
Chaos at our Southern Border …

The problems are everywhere, and they seem overwhelming. We Jews are a people of hope. Indeed, Israel’s national anthem – Hatikva – means “the hope.” But many of us find it hard to feel hopeful in this environment.

We’ll discuss several ways to maintain a “realistic optimism,” based on Torah examples and modern research findings. You’ll leave the session feeling more optimistic about your ability to be optimistic.

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.