By Mike Steklof, Ed.D.

In the Torah portion Vayetze, Jacob travels from Be’er Sheva to Haran where he experiences a powerful dream: a ladder stretching from earth to heaven, with angels ascending and descending. G!d promises Jacob that he will become the father of a great nation, the Jewish people. Yet, this promise will not be realized immediately—it will require time, hard work, and dedication.

Jacob’s story offers valuable insights into personal growth. Whether we are leading a group of people, building relationships, or working toward a personal goal, we can all relate to Jacob’s experience. Leadership and success are rarely instantaneous. Like Jacob, we will face challenges and setbacks along the way. But with persistence, we can stay focused on our larger goals.

In some ways, the past six months of my own journey reflect Jacob’s. When I became the Interim Director of Hillel of Buffalo in April, I convened a small group of volunteer leaders to create a vision for the future of the organization. We worked step by step, examining the history of this great institution while also exploring what it means to be a student on campus in this era. Much like Jacob’s dream, this vision will require strategic planning and commitment to bring it to fruition.

Dreaming big is essential, but it’s only the first step. Jacob’s ladder is not merely a vision—it is a structure that connects the ideal with the practical. In our own lives, we must turn our dreams into action. Whether we are serving students on campus, nurturing relationships, or creating positive change in our communities, we need to make a plan and take consistent steps toward our goals. Together with the Hillel Board of Directors and our student leaders, we are working to transform this dream into a reality.

Jacob’s journey reminds us that leadership is a process—a series of steps that require both vision and strategy. Leadership is not about quick fixes, but about enduring commitment to a greater purpose. May we, like Jacob, continue to climb, building our ladders in everyday life, one step at a time, staying focused on the future while addressing the challenges of today.

Mike Steklof, Ed.D. is the Interim Campus Director of Hillel of Buffalo.