Trials of a Jewish Lawyer, Part 5, The Final Part

Trials of a Jewish Lawyer, Part 5: Concluding Reflections on the Benefits of Mutual Respect and Understanding

This five-part series, ‘Trials of a Jewish Lawyer,’ was intended to show that understanding and camaraderie can be cultivated even in unexpected places and among people of different faiths and beliefs.

One of my most memorable interactions involved a non-Jewish client, Jim. Jim lived in the deep South, far away from any Jewish community. Over the years, we developed a strong working and personal relationship. Despite our different backgrounds, Jim embraced my Jewish identity with genuine interest and respect.

Every Friday, without fail, Jim would wish me “Shabbat Shalom.” Even if one of us were on vacation, his emails and texts wishing “Shabbat Shalom” would continue. This simple gesture became a cherished tradition between us. To my family, he was the “Shabbat Shalom” client.

Over time, Jim noticed that I was unavailable on various Jewish holidays. He asked me for a Jewish calendar to tell when I would be unavailable throughout the year. After he studied the calendar, he called me. “You want to know what mah favorite Jewish holiday is?” he asked in his southern drawl. “Yahm Kippur.” “Why is that?” I asked. “Because YOU have to ask ME for forgiveness!” he answered. “And I don’t want one of those ‘I’m sorry for everything I did to you’ kind of things,” he clarified. “I have a list! And I want to know if you can tell me what is on the list.”

After repenting for the sin of checking emails while I talked to him on the phone, I thought more about his observation. What better analogy for G-d can you have than that? During Yom Kippur, G-d has a list! Are we asking forgiveness for things on the list, or are we sending G-d one of those “I’m sorry for everything I did” kinds of things? Jim taught me a renewed appreciation for the meaning of the holiday, emphasizing the importance of genuine repentance and reflection on specific actions.

This is one more illustration of the benefits derived from building relationships through mutual respect and understanding that I’ve explored in this blog series.

In Part 1, I shared how a client named Tom went out of his way to ensure I had kosher food during meetings, showing that genuine curiosity and respect for each other’s beliefs can lead to greater understanding.

In Part 2, I recounted my encounter with a Muslim cab driver, where our shared heritage as descendants of Abraham fostered a meaningful conversation about our faiths. This experience highlighted how small acts of kindness can bridge divides and create connections, even under challenging circumstances.

In Part 3, I discussed a negotiation in which my observance of Shabbat led the other side to negotiate against itself. This story underscored how remaining true to one’s faith can positively impact professional interactions.

In Part 4, I reflected on the balance between professional obligations and personal convictions. A client scheduled a critical call on a Jewish holiday yet respected my observance. These experiences illustrate how maintaining personal integrity can coexist with professional success.

In this Part 5, I showed how my client’s perspective on Yom Kippur gave me a deeper appreciation for the spirit of the day, emphasizing the significance of sincere repentance and self-examination.

These experiences have taught me that there are countless opportunities for positive interactions and mutual respect. To create inclusive environments where people of different backgrounds thrive together, we can take practical steps such as being considerate of others’ religious practices, fostering open communication, and educating ourselves about different cultures and faiths.

The only way to achieve mutual respect and understanding with colleagues and clients is for them to see how important your faith is in your life:

• Your clients have seen you negotiate deals; have they heard you respectfully discuss your faith?
• Your coworkers have seen you work late hours; have they noticed you leaving early for Shabbat?
• Your colleagues recognize your leadership; do they also recognize how your faith shapes it?

In today’s world, concerns about antisemitism are genuine and valid. However, opportunities for constructive exchanges can arise when people of different religions and backgrounds work together in a spirit of mutual respect. Through thoughtful engagement, we can build workplaces and communities where diversity is embraced and celebrated. In doing so, we can demonstrate that mutual respect and understanding are not just aspirational ideals but practical, everyday realities.