PERSPECTIVES → OPEN MIC Issue 978 · September 13, 2023

Even When It Hurts  

The problem with acting ethically is that you have to do it in real time

Even When It Hurts  

 

Ten years ago, just out of my master’s program, I landed a job at a major educational software company. I was so excited I had the opportunity to work there, and every day, as I took the subway to my new job, I felt proud and grateful.

Most of my coworkers were older than me, and only three were religious Jews. I had been frum for four years and had learned Sefer Chofetz Chaim with my mentor. As newly minted baalei teshuvah often are, I was really sincere and passionate about Yiddishkeit.

Still, when the test came, I failed.

At work one day, my manager Matt asked me to sit in on an interview he was conducting with a job applicant. Katy, the department head, would interview her first, and then he would interview her while I observed.

I sat in on the interview. The applicant, who happened to be a secular Jew, seemed knowledgeable and prepared. She was also very perky and upbeat.

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