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In Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, navigates a complex and often hostile world. Although he engages with his Christian peers in business and conversation, he famously states, “I will buy with you, sell with you, talk with you, walk with you, but I will not eat with you, drink with you, nor pray with you.” This line emphasizes his determination to hold on to his religious identity despite societal pressures to conform.
Shylock’s struggle echoes in the lives of many today who navigate similar tensions between personal beliefs and societal or professional expectations. His words are not merely a literary device; they reflect broader, timeless, and real-world challenges. We often find ourselves in situations where we are expected to follow certain professional norms or expectations that may conflict with our religious values.
There is a perception that religious observance and professional responsibilities are mutually exclusive, partly rooted in the U.S. Supreme Court’s view that “religion must be a private matter” (Lemon v. Kurtzman). However, a balance can be struck as we bridge the gap between who we are and who we aspire to be.
Preserving that balance can be difficult, as illustrated by two personal experiences.
One client insisted on scheduling regular business calls with his lawyers on Friday nights. The client’s representatives clarified that this requirement was non-negotiable. That was his prerogative. He was entitled to choose the times to speak with his lawyer, and if that choice conflicted with my religious obligation, he could (and did) choose to work with a different lawyer at my law firm. This experience highlighted the reality that professional choices often require compromises. It reinforced the necessity of standing firm in one’s beliefs, even when faced with potential professional losses.
Another experience involved a high-value client. We had worked on many significant projects together, and he knew I was an observant Jew. At one point, he scheduled a critical conference call on the second day of Shavuot, the Jewish holiday that commemorates G-d’s giving the Torah on Mount Sinai. After I explained the holiday, the client still insisted that my involvement was necessary, even threatening to take his business elsewhere. I did not participate in the call. We discussed the business issues after the Jewish holiday, and all was well, as the client stayed with our firm for many years after that.
The younger lawyers in my group later asked if I was nervous about refusing such an important client. Given the client’s significance, they wondered about the potential fallout. I told them that my career thrived for decades before I knew him and would survive his departure, but I would not compromise my religious beliefs. Despite the initial disagreement, the client’s decision to keep me as his lawyer affirmed the importance of mutual respect and upholding one’s beliefs, demonstrating that maintaining personal integrity can coexist with professional success.
These experiences reveal the deep connection between our professional and personal lives. They illustrate how our values influence our actions and how we measure success. The legal profession often gauges success by winning or losing arguments, cases, or clients. However, when viewed through a broader lens, true success encompasses remaining true to one’s values and principles.
Considering these experiences brings to mind a story about a lawyer and her rabbi. The rabbi, aware of the lawyer’s demanding schedule, asks, “How do you find time for your spiritual commitments amidst such a busy professional life?” The lawyer smiles and replies, “Well, Rabbi, I treat my spiritual commitments like my top clients—I schedule their meetings well in advance, their demands are non-negotiable, and they always get my full attention. And the best part? They pay me with spiritual rewards that last a lifetime.”
Although we cannot fully control how others respond to our faith-based commitments, we now live in a time when our choices are more respected. This contrasts sharply with Shakespeare’s era, where Shylock faced the ultimate loss—being compelled to abandon his faith to save his life. Historically, Jews have faced extreme pressure to conform to the prevailing culture. Yet today, we can build workplaces and communities that honor diversity of thought and belief, fostering environments where personal integrity and professional success coexist.
This commitment to open dialogue and mutual respect is crucial, as noted by the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who once wrote to me that “people of goodwill can accommodate sincerely held religious beliefs without undue disturbance of other interests.” Her perspective, expressed in the context of ensuring that the Court’s schedule allowed for the observance of Yom Kippur, highlights the value of open dialogue and mutual respect in creating inclusive environments. (For more details, see The Yom Kippur Controversy.)
Upholding one’s religious convictions while managing professional responsibilities is a personal triumph. It is also a societal imperative. It helps navigate complexities with clarity and purpose, fostering a world where individuals are valued for who they are, beyond their professional roles.
As you reflect on your own experiences, consider how you can contribute to an environment that respects and values diversity. Engage in open dialogue, educate others about your beliefs, and seek to understand the perspectives of those around you. By doing so, you help build a workplace and society that honor authenticity and integrity.
