Dr. Lisa Akin Thoughtful speakers, including Judith Cumbler, Dr. Leah Dickstein, Rabbi Audrey Korotkin, Goldie Litvin, Rabbi Gaylia Rooks, Judy Tiell and keynote speaker, Dr. Lisa Akin, provided much food for thought as they addressed issues of concern to all women. Each topic, from parenting concerns to stories of biblical heroines, and from styles of communication to the spirituality of healing and ethical wills, was covered knowledgeably and with good humor. If what they say feels natural and uncensored, it is often not the best thing to say.
Diplomacy is the best policy.
Just as we do not want to hear the brutal truth about ourselves, others do not want to hear negative comments either. God told Noah to take both clean and unclean animals into the ark, but God was diplomatic in not citing which animals fit under each category. The school of Shamai believed if you couldn't say something truthful, you should say nothing. The school of Hillel said you should say the words as they are written because situations must be considered from each person's perspective. The goal in any relationship, Akin said, is to be understood.