Page 56 - HaMizrachi Yom Yerushalayim - Shavuot 5782 USA

A Report Card

Rabbanit
Hannah Bank Rewrite

T he kiddush was delicious and In addition to the traditional IQ charisma and SQ to lead the women

the Bar Mitzvah boy happily
(intelligence quotient), there are three
of Israel in spontaneous song in the
danced with his friends and
other measures often used to gauge
aftermath of the splitting of the sea.
relatives in his new suit. His
parents’ faces were flush with nachas. a person’s intelligence. Collectively, Adversity Quotient (AQ): Designed
these measurements give us a more
A latecomer turned to another guest, complete picture of human capability, by Paul Stoltz in 1997, AQ measures
unknowingly within earshot of the revealing alternative ways for people one’s ability to weather the inevitable
rough patches in life, from everyday
boy’s mother, and innocently asked to excel and reach their potential. challenges to times of great adversity.
“How did he do? Did he lein the whole Interestingly, each of these measures
parsha?” The boy’s mother blushed and of intelligence align with various Though many biblical heroes overcame
turned away, knowing full well what biblical personalities, who thrived in great adversity, Yosef stands out for his
the reply would be. “No, he just did very different ways: extraordinary high AQ score. Locked
the maftir.” Emotional Quotient (EQ): First used in a dungeon in a foreign land, he had
She reminded herself of her pride in by Keith Beasley in 1987, EQ measures every reason to despair, but possessed
the tenacity and resolve to power
her son. Preparing the maftir had been several aspects of our character, such on until he completely reversed his
a challenge, but he kept at it, waking as our humility and ability to get along status. Even in the worst situations he
up early every day to practice. His with others, our responsibility and remained true to himself and to the
friends were so happy for him they respect for boundaries, and whether teachings of his father.
we are genuine and considerate.
arrived early at shul to get a seat near
him. It was heart-warming to watch No biblical character personified EQ Let us return to the Bar Mitzvah boy
the mature way he made eye contact like Aharon HaKohen, who “loved who “only” read the maftir. Could the
and beamed at each family member peace and pursued peace” (Pirkei Avot guests at the kiddush have measured
from the bima to make them feel 1:12). His responsibilities in the Beit him differently? His ability to connect
included in his joy. The day had been HaMikdash ran on a strict cycle of time. with friends and family of all ages
a wonderful Jewish experience. Aharon understood that as a kohen, reflected a high Emotional Quotient,
his success depended upon respecting while his obvious charisma and many
But she knew that there would be the boundaries between kodesh and friends meant his Social Quotient was
more upsetting questions at future chol. An educator who understood how surely quite high. And his perseverance
kiddushim. What class is he in for to reach people of all levels, Aharon’s in studying the maftir, despite the fact
math? What did he get in his finals? EQ was off the charts. that leining did not come easily, was
Is he going to a good yeshivah? What Social Quotient (SQ): Used as far a sign of his extraordinary Adversity
about university? Would the questions back as the 1800s, SQ measures Quotient.
ever stop? one’s charisma and ability to build a The measure of a child is far more
The story above is an imaginary network of friends and maintain it than just a good grade on a report card.
scenario, but it is an amalgamation over a long period of time.
of several real-life comments and Though there were several other
conversations at kiddushim. All too individual monotheists who preceded Rabbanit Hannah Bank and her husband
often, our communities emphasize him, Avraham was the first person to Rabbi Greg serve as the rabbinic couple at
and celebrate academic achievement successfully develop a monotheistic Yeshurun Hebrew Congregation of Cheadle
to an extreme, ignoring other movement, using his magnetism and Gatley in South Manchester. Rabbanit
equally important aspects of human and presence to attract followers in Hannah is an alumna of World Mizrachi’s
achievement. Charan. Similarly, Miriam used her Shalhevet Leadership Training Program.

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