From Narrow Places to Promised Lands: A Biblical Framework for Organizational Sustainability

Jun 11

As many Jewish organizations approach fiscal year-end and begin planning for the new year ahead, the story of the Exodus has wisdom we can tap into.

The Torah, tradition teaches, presents not just a chronological journey but a cyclical one that applies to our work at any given moment. As the rabbinic saying goes, "אין מוקדם ומאוחר בתורה" – there is no strict beginning or end in Torah. It’s all applicable in the here and now. And just as the broader story of the Exodus can be alive in every moment, so too can our organizations experience different stages of sustainability simultaneously.

We see the Exodus narrative as an ideal conceptual framework for thinking about organizational sustainability.

This is a perfect moment to revisit this foundational story.

Consider the stages and questions offered below as we reflect on our collective re-imagining of liberation. What insight can this ancient story offer?

The Joseph Stage: Identifying Your Surplus

The Exodus story begins well before the people are enslaved. Joseph, the favored son of Jacob who finds himself in Egypt after the angry actions of his jealous brothers, nonetheless rises to power in his newfound home. He interprets the Pharoah’s dreams of cows and wheat, and has the foresight to prepare for lean years through storing (and selling) surplus while things are good.

For your organization, consider:

Where do you have more than enough? This might be dedicated volunteers, strong donor relationships, or institutional knowledge.
How might you "store up" these resources for future challenges?
Most importantly: How can you share your abundance with others in your community?

A truly sustainable organization recognizes that generosity from strength creates resilience. Consider formalizing mentorship programs where your areas of expertise can benefit partner organizations, or creating resource-sharing initiatives that strengthen the entire ecosystem of Jewish nonprofits.

The Exodus Stage: Acknowledging Deficits

The Israelites in Egypt faced overwhelming hardship that could only be solved through the strategic actions of unlikely leaders (and, ultimately, divine intervention). When the times were hardest, characters like the Hebrew midwives Shifra and Puah stepped up to do what they could, with what they had, where they were, in powerful ways.

For organizational leaders, honestly assessing deficits requires similar courage:

Where does your organization struggle? Is it fundraising capacity, technological adaptation, or board engagement?
What prevents you from asking for help in these areas?
Who might be the unlikely heroes to help address these challenges? What partnerships or collaborations could address these gaps? Where might you be able to step up with courage?

Remember that Moses himself initially resisted his calling, saying "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?" Yet his willingness to acknowledge his limitations (and accept Aaron's partnership) made leadership possible. Organizational maturity means moving beyond the fear that admitting deficits signals weakness.

The Manna Stage: Creating Systems for "Enoughness"

In the desert, heavenly, daily manna provided exactly what was needed for the people to survive – no more, no less. A double portion fell on Fridays allowing for rest on Shabbat. It was the ultimate expression of “enough.”

This period teaches us about building systems for sustainability:

Where is your organization "getting along" but lacking formal structure?
What processes could you develop to ensure consistent program delivery, knowledge transfer, or staff support?
How might you measure "enough" rather than perpetuating scarcity mindsets or unsustainable growth expectations?

The Israelites gathered manna daily according to their needs (including a double portion that allowed rest for Shabbat). Similarly, healthy organizations develop rhythms and boundaries that prevent burnout while ensuring consistent mission delivery.

The Promised Land: Envisioning True Sustainability

Entering the Promised Land represented the ultimate sustainability – a place to thrive independently while maintaining the covenant between the community and the divine.

For your organization:

What would true sustainability look like beyond mere survival?
How might your mission evolve from addressing immediate needs to creating lasting change?
What legacy do you hope to build that continues beyond current leadership?

Applying the Framework Today

As you take the lessons of the Exodus into your everyday work, consider creating space for board and staff to reflect on these four stages.

You might:

Facilitate a "four questions" exercise about your organizational sustainability
Map your programs and departments along this journey
Identify concrete next steps for areas needing attention

This framework isn't meant to be an assessment completed in one sitting. It's an invitation to ongoing conversation about your organization's journey from its own narrow places (mitzrayim) toward its unique “promised land.”

By embracing both the strengths and struggles in your current reality, you honor the full arc of the Exodus story – not just the triumphant crossing of the sea, but the preparation, challenges, and systems-building that made sustainable freedom possible. – there is no strict beginning or end in Torah. It’s all applicable in the here and now. And just as the broader story of the Exodus can be alive in every moment, so too can our organizations experience different stages of sustainability simultaneously.