Kivi Bernhard, a jeweler living in Atlanta, is an international motivational speaker. The author of the internationally acclaimed business book: Leopardology: The Hunt for Profit in a Tough Global Economy, is a frequent popular speaker for large corporate events. He is also an observant Jew.
Some time ago, Microsoft invited him through his agent to present a keynote address at their conference for senior executives from all over the world. Kivi looked at the date. The keynote address was scheduled for Shabbat, and the presentation would require the use of electronic devices, power points, videos, mics, and recordings, so Kivi apologized to his agent and politely declined to attend.
A senior Microsoft executive decided to resolve the issue by offering Bernhard almost double his speaking fee. He explained that the meeting had been set a year and a half in advance and it could not be changed at this point. He also explained that the bulk of the event centered on Bernhard’s theories presented in Leopardology.
Kivi once again apologized and remained adamant that he would not speak on Shabbat.
The Tempting Test
At some point, the executive at Microsoft was ready to pay him an astronomical fee of six figures. Tempting as it was, Kivi knew that was his test. He explained to Microsoft's Senior Global VP that he was not declining because he wanted more money, but that G-d told the Jewish people to observe Shabbat, and that his Jewish observance was his priority.
They deliberated and called him back to let him know they would reschedule the entire conference to Sunday. He said that would work and that the original price would work too. Indeed, the Microsoft conference opened with a keynote address by Kivi Bernhard.
Accommodating “a Jew’s Observance of the Sabbath”
A few weeks later, the Microsoft VP reached out once again to Kivi about an experience he had while on a private jet with Bill Gates. The executive related to Mr. Gates the unusual experience of having to reschedule an entire conference for Microsoft in order to accommodate “a Jew’s observance of the Sabbath.”
The VP told Kivi that the story made quite an impact on Mr. Gates, who remarked, “There are some things that just cannot be bought with money... I guess the Sabbath is one of them.”
Bill Gate’s Understanding Of What is True Wealth
Kivi shared the story and said that it was Bill Gates who allowed him to grasp the value and meaning of his sacrifice. Bill Gates gave him an understanding of wealth, and that having Shabbat is an example of true wealth, as it is priceless.
Reprinted from the Rosh Hashana 5785 email of Jack E. Rahmey based on the Torah teaching of Rabbi Amram Sananes.
