Over 500 students, parents, faculty and community members listened intently as four charismatic and astute businessmen from the community presented Strategies for Success in the New Global Economy. Hosted by Hillel Yeshiva, the panel addressed the following questions: Where are the new opportunities in business? How can we benefit from them? What areas are growing the fastest? How do choices our children make today, determine their future success? Does higher education influence our childrens path to success?
Mr. Michael Arking, the evenings Master of Ceremonies, introduced the panelists who included Mr. Ezra S. Ashkenazi, Mr. Ren Rof, Mr. Joseph Sitt and Mr. Ralph Tawil.
As the first speaker, Mr. Rof stressed that success comes to those who are well prepared and are willing to take risks. Those seeking success must have good work ethics; know how to function as part of a team; be diligent and honest and treat others fairly. He added that they must possess effective communication skills and familiarity with different cultures and global issues. They must be creative, think logically and be willing to collaborate in diverse settings. He concluded with the idea that they must be able to learn from failure and continue to grow.
Mr. Ralph Tawil, a graduate of Hillel Yeshiva, emphasized the fact that the technology revolution has changed the business world by creating new opportunities. Quoting Steve Jobs, he said, your work is going to fill a large part of your life. The only way to do great work is to love what you do. Dont settle until you find what makes you happy.
He stressed that students should keep their eyes wide open and chase after success, be diligent in their plan and take joy and pride in their decisions. Achieving success leads to contentment in all aspects of life.
Mr. Ezra Ashkenazi said that it is our Jewish heritage that will help shape and guide us, as we pursue our futures. He suggested that the students travel and learn about the world, but always be an example of honesty and integrity. He mentioned that some areas of growth are the food industry, service industries, energy conservation and development and technology. To the students in the audience, he stressed that a good reputation, caring mentors and friends, listening twice as much as speaking and looking for diverse internships are ways in which one can pave a path to success. He concluded, believing in yourself leads to success.
Mr. Joseph Sitt explained that although the world is tough, there are always opportunities for entrepreneurs with open eyes. Quoting Winston Churchill, he said, the further back you shall look, the further ahead you shall see.
Mr. Sitt emphasized that to be successful you must do what you are passionate about. He stressed that students should read The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal in order to know what is happening in the world. He talked about opportunities in emergent countries. In the United States he feels that health care, education and engineering are growing areas of opportunity and the Internet has changed the world. It took 35 years for 50 million people to buy a TV; it took only six months for 80 million people to sign up on Facebook!
Mr. Arking then introduced Senator Jennifer Beck, the special guest speaker. Senator Beck is running for State Senator in our 11th District. Ms. Beck was pleased to address such a large, attentive audience.
She spoke about politics, calling it her passion. She believes that politicians are elected to serve and help those who do not have a voice. She explained that the areas of opportunity for the next generation of leaders will be education, the economy and the environment. She told the students to believe in themselves; that one can overcome great odds to achieve success if one has passion.
The energy, excitement and knowledge presented by all the speakers were enthusiastically absorbed by all in attendance. One of the most important points that every speaker stressed was the importance of higher education. Each one felt that to be successful, one should be educated; one should learn a foreign language and one should develop a plan.
Hillel Yeshivas educational objectives correspond with these ideas. As Rabbi Howard Bald, Head of High School has stated, education is a process that affects the very soul of a student.
This was a wonderful evening of thought provoking ideas, which will lead to developing future businessmen and businesswomen. Hillel Yeshiva looks forward to hosting future symposiums about career development.
