“Do You fume in anger?” (74:1)

Rabbi and family therapist Edwin Friedman wrote, in the context of synagogue/church systems, of the importance of the rabbi/pastor/minister’s ability to maintain a “non-anxious presence” in the face of conflict. If you are in the midst of a challenging situation in which tempers are flaring, he counsels practicing the ability to be aware of your reactions to the emotions flying by without getting caught up in them, and being fully present and attentive to all parties involved. Practicing and modeling calm behavior will have a positive effect on the system.