The Immovable Ladder: Lessons in Leadership

The "Immovable Ladder" was placed under this window at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem in 1728 or earlier. Thirty years later, in 1757, the Status Quo agreement, issued by the Ottoman Empire to solve disputes between clergy of the six Christian orders [Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic (Latin), Armenian Apostolic, Syriac Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, and Ethiopian Orthodox], established that no one may move or alter any property of part of the property without the consent of the other five. The ladder was mentioned in descriptions of the place at that time, thus requiring it to remain "as it was" by royal decree.

It also set in place the division of ownership and responsibilities at these sites. There have been actual bloody conflicts over this division, for example over the cleaning of the bottom step leading from a courtyard to the Chapel of St. Mary’s Agony is uneven, and, therefore, has been claimed by two groups, causing conflict. Even the tiniest modification can lead to changes of status for an individual or order. No one wants or likes to give up their role or position in the church.

It is likely the ladder was left following repairs. During a time when the Ottomans charged clergy a tax for entering or exiting the building, some moved into the church. The balcony, window, and the ladder are the domain of the Armenians, who used the ladder to access sun and fresh air. The balcony was used to grow fresh vegetables, and to bring food to Armenian monks imprisoned there in the late 19th century.

The ladder is a prime example of "it's always been like this." But it's also an example of creativity.

^{https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_Quo_(Jerusalem_and_Bethlehem)#Immovable_ladder}

What leadership lessons do we take from our texts to ensure that we do not devolve into irrelevancy, and we provide positive leadership and role modelling to our constituencies?

As leaders and dugma'ot, we need to be willing to try new things. When we do try something new, we need to recognize that we may need help, and then ask for that help.

King Solomon was young and inexperienced. He requested wisdom to help him in his new role. With God's help in gaining wisdom, King Solomon became known specifically for this wisdom.

We need to read our constituencies. Sometimes we need to sit back like Devorah and let people come to us. At other times we need to step in and act. Always, we need to be watchful and allow our students/youth to take ownership of their programs and actions.

Never be afraid to step out in front, to try something new, or even to expose our difficulties, faults, or vulnerabilities.

Don't be ashamed of your short-comings. Share them. They may inspire others. You may discover you're not alone. Share the spotlight... and the burden of responsibility. Take criticism and advice, respectfully and thoughtfully. But be prepared to accept any fault. Remember, the buck stops with us.

When the time comes to pass on responsibility, even if we think we're not ready to, we must support our successors, making sure everyone knows this support.

This is our life. We love it. Grab that and hold onto it. The smallest spark can ignite a flame in places and people we never expect. Be open to new interpretations. Be aware we're all stuck in our own status quo. Others, especially students without preconceived notions, can open our eyes to new interpretations and lessons. And, in those moments, we, with our students/youth/communities can find new, creative, and innovative ways to use the ladders set before us.