Our fund has been actively involved in building intentional communities (קהילות משימתיות) for the past five years in partnership with the Shachaf Fund. There are 230 of these communities across Israel. They range from an Ethiopian community in Gedera the supports social businesses for older immigrant women to a joint religious/secular community in Gilo adjacent to Mechinat Beit Yisrael. The communities aim to support their members and also the residents in the local neighborhoods and cities where they are located.

Anyone in Israel can become a change agent by finding out how they can serve their own local community better.

I occasionally get asked to present some thoughts on how to use digital marketing and social media to grow and build a business. And yes, I include the usual tactics, strategies and methods on how to do this successfully but I always end off with my signature ingredient….SHARE THE LOVE. Be generous. Be generous with your time. With your knowledge. With your expertise. Be generous with your output, your deliverables. Go the extra mile. And if you are already sitting at “the table”, shift up and invite someone to bring a chair and sit next to you at the table.

Promoting this central value starts at young age, where parents and teachers should demonstrate trustworthiness through their own behaviors and commitment to integrity, open communication, accountability and consistency. Leading by example, taking responsibility and integrity should be represented as top priorities in our societies whether you are a parent, a teacher, a manager or a political leader.

The first way is by being open-minded to unconventional thinking. It is a discipline to not be disciplined – it’s teaching yourself to resist the urge to return to the old and familiar. 

The second way is through exposure and learning innovative tools that lead to innovative thinking. Innovation cannot be learned because innovation is something new every time. But you can be exposed to innovative thinking through case studies, ideation workshops, and meeting with innovative individuals.

Actions based on a true, authentic foundation, creates magic: Our hearts open and we learn acceptance; our compassion blooms; we are happy without trying, and our healthy energy pervades everywhere. So be brave and be you. Encourage others to be true, and be a role model for a heathier, stronger, and happier society.

As a society, we need to be practical. Take five minutes each day to provide a resource to someone who may need it or may not know about it. Help a person who is in need of a job make a new connection or explore a new path. Listen to a friend in need and help direct them to an organization or person who may be able to provide them with a solution.

 In a strong democracy, our laws are intended to be the forum for promoting honesty. In Israel, there are many excellent non-governmental organizations that encourage dialogue among our various sectors: religious and secular, left and right, Jews and Arabs, etc. If these organizations could receive a larger platform in our society, we could rise to a greater level of honesty, at least among the common citizens.

As a woman, mother, wife, friend and business owner, I remind myself every day that making a good change is not about anyone else but me.

Being a living, breathing example of the values I wish to promote, enhances my ability to influence others and spread ripples of good in my life and the world around me.

Being a leader by example is not about telling others what you think is the right way, it’s about paving a path for them to follow if they wish.

I think each person should write down 3-5 missions they commit to. Plan your time to ensure the achievement of the goals you have committed to – professionally and personally. This will help establish us as a successful society, and foster a sense of mutual goodwill and compassion among ourselves.

Expose people to opportunities and inspire others to take action on what really matters to them. Find purpose in small and large things every day.

Identify and reduce anything that is an energy drainer. Focus on what makes you happy.

I recommend actively searching for alignment in whatever you do by asking yourself: Do I feel that this activity helps me serve my purpose?

Whether it’s cooking on Fridays for those who cannot, assisting army graduates find a career, or spending quality time playing games with someone who is isolated, there is always something we can do to live better together.

I have personally been a grateful recipient and contributor of volunteer work and hope that this wonderful facet of our culture will continue strong into our 76th year and beyond.

As we celebrate our independence and reflect on the current situation in our country, I strongly believe in the power of cooperation to help us communicate and connect with each other.

Take time to identify your aspirations and set SMART goals to help you reach them. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks and create a timeline with specific deadlines to hold yourself accountable.
Over the years I understood that to achieve something, I must first define what this “something” is. So, for any dream I have, I imagine it first, say it loud, play with the idea in my mind, ask others what they think, and then set my goal. Normally I divide it into small steps.
That process creates clarity of my vision and the way to win it.
Remember to celebrate your successes and learn from any setbacks. By setting and working towards your goals, you can gain a sense of purpose, direction, and fulfillment in your life.

In honor of Israel’s 75th Independence Day, I want to encourage us all to be more optimistic – to listen, to be open to different viewpoints, and to choose to see the silver lining even in tough times.

We’re born knowing how to make our needs and wants clear.
Sadly, somewhere along the way, thanks to the messages we receive from the world around us, many of us become less sure of our right to keep ourselves safe.
But the good news is that we never lose those innate abilities. All we need is an opportunity to reconnect with the tools we’ve had all along.
Empowerment self-defense classes provide an opportunity for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or physical ability, to do just that.

Our business world will increasingly rely on AI bots for managing processes. To excel, we need to stop suppressing our intentions and the guidance we receive from our subconscious.  

You can harness the power of your intuition to become an intuitive entrepreneur. Believe in yourself, trust your intuition, and it will lead you to success.

Transparency is key to building trust between people living in different environments.  In my workplace, this means communicating management decisions and policy updates as soon as I know them, addressing challenges head on, rather than sweeping them under the rug, and encouraging my team to speak their mind.

Let us embrace the power of dedication and use it to achieve our dreams and make a positive impact in the world. My advice to other women is to find your passion, commit to it fully, and let your dedication be the driving force behind your success. Remember that your dedication isn’t just for yourself – it’s a gift that you can give to others, inspiring them to reach for the stars as well.

I recommend enhancing your Adaptability by implementing the phrase: “Start small think big”, meaning, focus on practicing sub-skills related to Adaptability’s core skill, such as:
(1) Step out of your comfort zone – seek out new experiences and opportunities
(2) Keep an open mind – find the conventional solutions, as well as those that are not, and also find the additional solution – the one you haven’t thought of yet
(3) Change the word (and attitude) from Impossible to  I’m Possible – because when you think about it, almost nothing is really impossible

As I’ve written in Dare to Lead Like a Girl, leaders should connect to their heart when leading. There are tremendous benefits to embracing soft skills that have historically been undervalued:
Leading with purpose – helping your people find their purpose and operate from their strengths and passions
Perspective – helping people reframe failure as a stepping stone to success. Finding win win and overcoming limiting beliefs
Power up – listening to the physical heart- taking care of sleep food exercise and meditation

When you meet someone that you think is incredibly different from you then ask them questions and listen to their answers. Join organizations that promote dialogue.

It wouldn’t be a value if we could promote it without doing it; you have to be the change you want to see. When negativity strikes – and it does all the time – I like to remind myself and anyone around me of the wise advice I heard early in my career “ Solutions not problems.” and “Tell me what you can do, not what you can’t do.” It works – of that, I am positive.

I teach a large number of nursing students and new nurses at the clinic, and by far the most effective method is to practice what you preach – lead by example. If I want nurses of the future to be accountable for their actions they need to see it from me. Society these days feels so reliant on someone else doing things for you, but we need to get back to doing more ourselves and be accountable for it.

1. Always ask yourself: And if it were simple, what would this look like?
2. Speak from the heart and say what’s really on your mind. I know this is not always possible, but it’s my winning strategy and the key that enables me to connect to many types of people. Speaking your truth will unclutter your heart and your mind and have lasting effects on those around you (and rippling effects on society!).
3. Ask yourself: What do I want? and really listen.

 I think it’s critical we uncover the inherent graciousness in ourselves and dig deep to see that quality in others.  When we express this value and identify this value in others, our everyday interactions, deep conversations and important relationships become more pleasant, tempered, respectful, understanding and kind.  All of which we so desperately need in every arena of our personal and professional lives.   

At Intuit we have this amazingly simple tool to help us promote understanding and empathizing with our team members. It is called the Journey Line exercise.

Each team member reflects on their life’s profound moments and plots them on a Journey Line chart with an X-axis for time and a Y-axis for emotional highs and lows. The exercise concludes with a summary of how their Journey Line shaped their core beliefs, revealing itself daily in the workplace. It creates a safe space for co-workers to share their whole selves, fostering greater appreciation and understanding which ultimately creates amazing inclusion.

Israel has made progress in recent years – advertisements include individuals with different skin colors, some models are thin others are full, the Shalva band features performers with special needs, and the youth movement Knafaiim Shel Krembo bring together youth with and without disabilities…but we still have a long way to go, and efforts must begin at an early age both in educational settings and at home.

By respecting those around us and listening to them, we can encourage exploration. People who feel valued and respected are not afraid to ask questions, to open up new areas of communication. People who don’t are stifled. Encourage your friends and relatives to try the things they’ve been talking about for so long. Instead of being that person who tells them all of the reasons why they can’t try something new, be the person who helps them figure out how they can.

Perhaps pursuing justice today – when so many aspects of ‘what is just’ are debated – means that we get out of our comfort zone to understand the merits of both sides of an argument. If we pursue Justice by genuinely looking not only at our own beliefs and values, but also the beliefs and values of those on the other side, I believe we will enact laws that adhere to the pursuit of justice.

Educated people in positions of power need to face reality in a fair way: they should admit their mistakes, take responsibility, and avoid the temptation to unfairly lay blame on subordinates, employees or suppliers, either because they lack courage or because an accountability mechanism is absent.

Learn how to navigate the digital world

• Think critically about everything you see and read
• Help your kids spot fake “reality” online
• Your attention is valuable currency online. Give it only to those who deserve it.

I see so many women who leave all the financial planning to their spouse or partner. Trust is wonderful, but life throws curveballs – sudden illness or even deaths. Being prepared is the difference between needing to rely on crowdfunding to meet your family’s needs, or being able to focus on what matters, secure that you’re prepared. As women we tend to overlook elements of financial preparedness. I’d love to see that change.

Share a smile, share a joke, share some joy and you’ve opened up a line of communication, regardless if you’re standing at the company water-cooler or at Thanksgiving dinner.

Naturally, persistence needs motivation, discipline, and a strong sense of purpose, but I’ve always been more practical – when I set myself a goal, I try to make it as clear as possible, breaking large tasks into smaller ones, planning a time frame for completing the tasks, and not forgetting to reward myself for every task I complete.

We can promote learning by asking questions, and by being brave enough to try something new, even if we don’t succeed at first.
We can ask others ‘how’ they have done what they have done. We can share what we know with friends, colleagues, online, or around the dinner table. We can consume knowledge.
And. Most importantly, we can create and share content and experiences from the learning that we’ve already done.

At every stage, we have to ask ourselves, why do the [insert your specific demographic here] behave like that? Can we see that maybe they have a different narrative? A different set of cultural values? A different ideological belief system?

Maybe if we put ourselves in their shoes for a day and felt some compassion towards them, it would lessen our anger and help us realize that it’s our moral compunction, or even duty to help out people less fortunate than ourselves.

Start by looking around you. Make an honest assessment of your touchpoints with different types of people. Are there people at the table who are different from you? Are you staying in your comfort zone or pursuing diversity in your interactions?

Try it. Make an active effort to connect with a more diverse range of people both personally and at work. Think who else might have value to add to your meeting and invite them. Ask questions that encourage real answers. Share your own vulnerabilities to create a welcoming environment for others to do the same. The proof will be in the pudding and you’ll get a new perspective on old or new challenges.

• Ensuring women’s equality in major decision-making junctions
• Providing education for equality at primary education stages
• Providing equal resources, such as education, health, and more, to underprivileged populations

Try to be present, increase your self-awareness and gain perspective on your thoughts and emotions.

Ask yourself “WHAT IF?” to help you develop a flexible mentality. Be open to new ideas, SAY YES to new experiences and be open to different points of view and perspectives. This may help you expand your horizons and help you approach problems from a new perspective, which will make you mor creative, vital and brave.

Cultivating flexibility has many benefits, including giving you great stories to tell your grandchildren when you get old.

Through education, open-mindedness can be cultivated by fostering curiosity and inquiry from an early age. In later stages of life, one can practice open-mindedness by seeking out meetings with diverse individuals – meetings with the aim of listening and understanding, rather than convincing others. Exposure to diverse content can also help cultivate open-mindedness.

Practicing gratitude involves actively seeking out things to be thankful for and expressing appreciation for them.

Here are ways we can practice/promote gratitude:
Volunteer or give back: find ways to help others in your community or donate to a charity you support and reflect on the impact you’re making. Choose one cause that works for you. That’s all you need to do!
Express gratitude to others: Say thank you and show gratitude to loved ones, friends, family, team members, and even strangers or those you find less ‘valuable’ or ‘friendly’ – everyone loves to be seen and thanked when they are helpful (even if it’s something small).

Educating our children
We need to teach our children about their rights and freedoms, encouraging them to think critically and question the system and established inequalities, and model these behaviors ourselves.

Fight for our rights with no fear
We need to be vigilant and stand up for ourselves and others when we see our rights being violated or restricted, even if it feels uncomfortable or risky. We can look for organizations and movements that advocate for greater freedom and human rights, and use our voices and platforms to amplify their messages.

When things don’t go as planned, recalibrate your thinking. Remember that what seems bad now may lead to something better in the future.

 In the Gmara (Chulin) Rabi Illa says “the world only exists for he who curbs himself during an argument”.

In today’s complex climate, perhaps we can tap into our spirituality best by teaching ourselves and our children the art of mutual respect… and silence.

One idea to promote determination in society is to showcase and celebrate stories of individuals who have demonstrated exceptional determination in order to achieve their goals, especially in the face of adversity. Another approach is to provide mentorship and support to individuals who may be struggling to achieve their goals.

Like anything else, self-discipline gets better with practice. By setting goals for ourselves, planning how we’ll achieve them, and breaking them down into smaller manageable tasks, we can develop self-discipline over time.

This year, more than ever, I wish for the people of Israel to connect to the spirit of tolerance, equality and acceptance, as without these, democracy can become an empty vessel.

Create community-based open forums with skilled facilitators across the country to promote dialogue and understanding on key social issues. Conflict-resolution frameworks can be used to ensure that different perspectives are heard and honored. To support this initiative, an army unit could be created to train facilitators and deploy them across the country. Similar to jury duty in the US, participation in these forums could be mandatory to build empathy among the public. This would give politician to build relationships with constituents who hold different views.

We can become more aware of our privileges and limitations by making an intentional effort to listen without prejudice to people who are not entirely like us   – whether in age, race, culture or beliefs.

It is actually more difficult to *think* kindly of other people than to act kindly, but we can actively choose kindness of spirit and make it a habit.  Actively try to give the benefit of the doubt, and allow for motivations for actions that you hadn’t considered.  Words matter but so do the thoughts behind them.

Communication: Encourage open communication and active listening to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Trust: Build trust among team members by promoting transparency, accountability, and mutual respect.

Collaboration: Foster a collaborative work environment that encourages teamwork and emphasizes the importance of shared goals and objectives.

My favorite way to be mindful at work is to ‘Practice Presence’, by being fully present and engaged in each moment of my business activities. I aim to avoid multitasking and resist the urge to constantly check emails or notifications whilst in meetings. You can cultivate more mindfulness in your business by focusing on the task at hand, listening attentively, and being fully present in your interactions with your team, clients, and partners.

It is not hard to start listening to people and asking them why, but we need to learn not to judge and not be threatened by differences – people at all levels of abilities, with other backgrounds, and different beliefs…. We are a much richer society when we can include a wide spectrum of individuals.

1. By setting a personal example. We’re human and though we fail, we have to try our best for next time.
2. Stay in touch with self-reflection
3. When you’re in an environment where you can set the tone, set the standard for other people’s behavior

My advice – let’s embrace our responsibility to support each other, accept each other’s differences, and work together in unity towards a brighter future.

We live in an impatient society. We cannot shape Israel into a patient country overnight, but we certainly can be an example when we practice patience – whether that be in line at a supermarket, on the roads, or trying to hear someone out with differing opinions.  To be patient towards each other is an act of ‘chesed’ (lovingkindness). What greater gift can we give?

– Ask open-ended questions that encourage unlearning, relearning and changing our minds through insightful conversations
– Build our willingness to get uncomfortable and see things for different viewpoints
– Ensure a vulnerability and humility to not have to be right
– Challenge outdated thinking and reframe old limiting beliefs that are no longer helpful
– Spend time with people who are different from you

Start by inviting a neighbor, colleague, or student. It’s that easy.

When people doubt themselves, encourage them to believe in themselves, and recognize the power within themselves to take control of many situations, and steer their own ship in direction they wish.

My WhatsApp status slogan “Do what you do best”, captures what I believe in most: Concentrate on your specialty, connect it with positivity and energy, and the rest will fall into place.

By focusing on our core abilities and passions, we create a stronger society that is capable of solving problems and making positive changes.

Stop for a moment to pause and observe. Doing this from a particular point of view can be a transformative experience. And while it may not necessarily be a spiritual experience, it remains an incredibly valuable practice.
Whether it’s the cup of coffee, your neighbor’s balcony or a tree in the park, take ten minutes to pause and observe. Try to capture your observations in writing. This exercise is not meant to focus on the result, but rather on the act of observation itself.

Creative thinking is not merely the domain of geniuses. It can be nurtured and developed by creating a climate free from criticism and judgment, with a broader perspective.

Be open to new things – diversified reading material, new hobbies, different kinds of people – different from what you have done so far – dream, dance, meditate, draw.

Turn critiques into growth opportunities.
Don’t be defensive, be receptive.
Dedication to improvement is the key to the strength of the collective.
Team players make the best leaders. Be a team player. Others will follow.

 In order to create a sustainable future, we have to make sure that the physical resources are not abused and that no one is left behind. This year has been a wake-up call to many in Israeli society, in that it made many people realize that continuing to do what we do is unsustainable in many ways. Caring for democratic values means caring for social justice just as we care for the climate and the ecology of nature. Democracy means also caring for our neighbors, near and far.  We cannot promote one pillar and forget about the rest.

• Being more accepting allows other to do the same. Free yourself and you free others.
• Accepting that everyone is dealing with a lot helps you to be more empathetic and in turn inspires others to be kinder to themselves and others
• Don’t just accept your limitations, be open to what they teach you

1. Creating a constitution for the State of Israel that clearly states human rights
2. Early education on equal rights regardless of race, gender, and religion
3. Educating and modeling human rights at home to serve an example for children

Be more open about who you truly are and your challenges. From my experience, once I share my struggles such as stage freight or challenges around speaking in large meetings, people around me open up as well. Dare to be different, dare not to always fit in, it’s OK. Observe the character of people around you, ask yourself what they really need.

Be meticulous in your words: say what you mean and mean what you say. Be reliable: follow through on your commitments. Take radical responsibility for your actions. Be respectful of other people, even when you disagree with them. Create healthy boundaries. And this: get to know and love yourself, so you can show up calmly, easily, and with a clear mind, in any space, and with any person, in integrity.

Financial independence is key to freedom of choice and well-being for us women. Many of us got used to working hard and saving money, nowadays we realize that investments and financial growth are part of any woman’s right and duty.

Create alliances. Focus on common goals and not on differences. Exchange contact information. Reach out. Discuss. Act together. Collaborate. Act effectively. This is synergy.

We should welcome immigrants by showing them that we care about their cultures. If they wish to abandon certain traits, they can, but we don’t have to force them to change names, dress or rituals. We should receive members of different cultures as they are, and make them feel at home.

In a country like ours which embodies many religions, segments and preferences, it’s crucial for us to accept one each other’s faith. In Hebrew we have a sentence which describes it best: ‘Each one shall live by his own faith’. Promoting a culture of tolerance and respect for diverse beliefs and perspectives will create an environment of understanding and promote a common purpose as a nation.

To see more sharing in society, we can create more opportunities for people to connect and share their expertise. This can be achieved through volunteering, creating communities, or simply making time to listen and connect with others.

I grew up with the idea that everything begins with respect. Respect for others begins with respecting ourselves for who we are. When we show respect for each other, it can create a foundation for respectful, moral, patient and tolerant conversations. Respect allows us to show regard and consideration for others, even when they hold opinions that are different than our own.

In today’s world, there are so many ways to learn, from podcasts to online course to articles by international experts. If you are debating what you should study, I suggest pursuing something that genuinely interests you. It is the best way to gain knowledge and cultivate a lifelong learning mindset that is essential for staying relevant in the ever-evolving job market.

To promote tolerance, we must first see it as fundamental to the discussion. This involves talking about it with other people, accepting that society is composed of individuals with varying beliefs, and contemplating how we can coexist in harmony despite our differences.