From Vision to Screen: Dar Dowling’s Here I Am Captures a Life Reimagined

The Chicago Journal Staff on April 17, 2025

By: Rowan Mercer

In the world of documentary filmmaking, few stories are as heartfelt and courageously told as Here I Am, the newest film from innovative director Dar Dowling. Centered on the spiritual and personal journey of Moshe Browning—a transgender man pursuing Conservative Jewish conversion—this intimate documentary delves into the spaces where identity, belief, and authenticity meet.

A Portrait of Becoming

Here I Am didn’t start out with that name. Initially titled Hineni—a Hebrew term meaning “Here I am” and often used in moments of spiritual calling—the film underwent a thoughtful transformation, both in title and in tone. The revised name reflects a shift in emotional focus. It is more than just a translation; it’s a declaration.

Through the lens of Dowling’s compassionate and patient filmmaking, the documentary unfolds, chronicling Moshe’s conversion process with remarkable vulnerability. It’s not only about religious ritual, but about the courage it takes to stand firmly in one’s truth while engaging in one of the most sacred commitments a person can make—welcoming faith into their identity rather than separating the two.

What It Means to Say “Here I Am”

More than just a title, Here I Am captures the essence of Moshe’s entire journey. In Jewish tradition, the phrase “Hineni” is a spiritual response—uttered by prophets when called by God—not just to say “I’m here,” but to say “I am ready, I am present, I am willing.” In that context, the film becomes a meditation on what it means to show up wholly and honestly.

Dowling explores this through quiet, revelatory moments: studying sacred texts, heart-to-heart conversations with rabbis, and the emotional preparations for immersion in the mikvah, the ritual bath that marks a person’s entrance into the Jewish faith. These scenes don’t just document a religious process—they embody a soul undergoing significant transformation.

Moments that Echo

From heartfelt and joyous prayers to the silence that follows difficult questions, Dowling captures Moshe’s emotional landscape with a filmmaker’s patience and a friend’s compassion.. One powerful moment comes when Moshe is asked whether his synagogue knows he is transgender. His emotion-charged pause says more than words ever could, revealing the delicate balance between vulnerability and truth that many face in their search for belonging.

Another scene—the culmination of years of study and spiritual labor—shows Moshe emerging from the mikvah. His expression radiates something simultaneously grounding and transcendent: peace, joy, and a sense of homecoming.

Built with Time and Trust

The depth of Here I Am owes much to the time Dowling allowed for the story to unfold organically. This is not a snapshot but a long exposure, a cinematic portrait captured over nearly a decade. Dowling and her team—including editor Ricardo Madan and a community of supportive rabbis—chose patience over polish, letting Moshe’s reality lead the way.

“This was never about checking boxes or finishing quickly,” Dowling says. “It was about staying with the story long enough for it to breathe, to mature, and to speak in its own voice.”

More Than a Story—A Cultural Conversation

At a time when conversations around gender, faith, and identity are louder—and often more polarized—than ever, Here I Am arrives not as a debate but as an offering. It doesn’t ask for judgment. It asks for presence. It asks us to listen.

Moshe’s story is both singular and universal. It reflects the courage required to honor one’s internal compass, to seek belonging not at the expense of identity but in alignment with it. In doing so, the film invites audiences into a broader understanding of faith—one that includes rather than excludes, one that transforms rather than divides.

A Call to Witness

With quiet grace and unflinching honesty, Here I Am does what many powerful documentaries do: it allows us to witness. Not just a conversion, but a becoming. Not just a story, but a testament.

To explore the film and Dar Dowling’s broader body of work, visit her official website. Here I Am is more than a film—it’s a reminder of the power in standing up and saying, without hesitation: “This is who I am. All of me. Here.”

Published by Jeremy S.

What Does a Hiring Freeze Constitute in Chicago?

The Chicago Journal Staff 2 on April 17, 2025

A hiring freeze is a temporary or permanent suspension of the hiring process within an organization. This often occurs when a company or government entity faces financial, economic, or operational challenges. In Chicago, as in many other cities, hiring freezes can affect both the private and public sectors, with significant consequences for employers, employees, and the community at large. This article explores what constitutes a hiring freeze in Chicago, its causes, its effects on various stakeholders, and the legal considerations that come into play.

Definition of a Hiring Freeze

What It Is and How It Works

A hiring freeze is a management decision to halt new hiring for positions within an organization, even if there are vacant roles. This is usually a short-term measure, but in some cases, it can last for an extended period or become permanent. Hiring freezes can apply to all levels of employment, from entry-level to executive positions, and may affect both full-time and temporary positions.

The freeze typically does not affect internal promotions, transfers, or employee turnover that occurs naturally. In cases where the freeze is temporary, employees may still be allowed to take up vacant roles once the freeze is lifted, depending on the organization’s policies.

Temporary vs. Permanent Freezes

A temporary hiring freeze is usually a short-term solution to address immediate financial constraints or to give time for organizational restructuring. It may last for a few months and is often seen as a proactive step to stabilize finances without having to resort to layoffs. A permanent hiring freeze, on the other hand, is much more significant. It can signal long-term strategic shifts or fundamental changes in a company’s operations, such as downsizing, mergers, or a shift to automation.

Causes of Hiring Freezes

Economic Conditions and Budget Cuts

Economic downturns or periods of financial instability are among the primary causes of hiring freezes. During recessions or when a company faces revenue shortfalls, organizations may implement a hiring freeze to reduce costs. By freezing hiring, companies aim to avoid layoffs and maintain operational efficiency while minimizing new labor costs.

In the public sector, budget cuts at the local, state, or federal level often trigger hiring freezes. For example, during fiscal austerity measures, local governments, including in Chicago, may freeze hiring to manage budget deficits or avoid increasing public debt.

Corporate Restructuring

Corporate restructuring, which might include mergers, acquisitions, or reorganizations, often leads to a hiring freeze. When an organization restructures, it reassesses its workforce requirements and often eliminates redundant positions. A hiring freeze may be implemented to control headcount while the company re-evaluates its future needs.

External Factors

External factors such as the global economy, market volatility, or changes in the regulatory environment may also lead to a hiring freeze. In Chicago, for example, external pressures such as changes in national economic policy, trade conditions, or regional economic shifts can lead to a freeze in hiring across multiple industries, especially those that rely on external markets.

Impact on Employers

Workforce Reduction and Staffing Shortages

While hiring freezes may be necessary to control costs, they can have adverse effects on employers. A freeze may lead to understaffing, as employees leave voluntarily or due to retirement, and the company is unable to replace them. This can cause strain on existing staff, resulting in increased workload, burnout, and decreased productivity.

In industries with high turnover, the lack of new hires can also negatively affect customer service and operational efficiency. Companies that are unable to maintain a full workforce may find it difficult to meet consumer demands or deadlines.

Recruitment Challenges

A hiring freeze can also disrupt the company’s recruitment pipeline. When a company freezes hiring, it may need to suspend ongoing recruitment efforts, including job postings, interviews, and background checks. This can delay the company’s ability to attract fresh talent and make it harder to fill key roles when the freeze is lifted.

Impact on Employees

Job Security and Increased Workload

For employees, a hiring freeze can create an atmosphere of uncertainty. Workers may worry about the stability of their jobs, especially if they perceive that the freeze could eventually lead to layoffs. This anxiety can affect morale, leading to decreased job satisfaction and engagement.

Moreover, employees who remain in the company may face increased workloads. As positions go unfilled, the remaining staff may be asked to take on additional duties, leading to stress and fatigue. This can lead to burnout and a higher risk of turnover.

Employee Engagement and Retention Risks

A hiring freeze can affect employee engagement, particularly when employees feel that their contributions are not being recognized or that their workload is unfair. Additionally, employees may leave voluntarily if they feel insecure about their future within the company or if they seek opportunities elsewhere that offer better stability.

Retention is also a challenge during a hiring freeze, as employees who see fewer opportunities for growth and development may look for new roles. This can lead to a loss of experienced talent, which can further affect productivity and morale.

Legal Considerations

Employment Law and Labor Rights

In Chicago, as in other cities, labor laws govern the process and conditions under which employers can implement a hiring freeze. For instance, companies must ensure that the freeze does not violate any labor rights, including agreements with unions. In unionized workplaces, hiring freezes may be subject to bargaining agreements that require consultations or negotiations with labor representatives.

In cases of hiring freezes, employers must also be careful not to discriminate against certain employee groups, including based on age, gender, race, or disability, as such actions could violate anti-discrimination laws.

Unionized Workplaces

In unionized environments, a hiring freeze may require consultation with union representatives. Unions may resist hiring freezes, particularly if they believe that it disproportionately affects their members or if it threatens the long-term viability of the union’s position within the organization. Legal action may be pursued if the freeze is seen as violating the terms of collective bargaining agreements.

Government-Specific Hiring Freezes in Chicago

Public Sector Hiring Policies

In Chicago, the public sector often experiences hiring freezes during times of budget cuts or fiscal constraints. For example, the city government may impose a hiring freeze in response to reduced funding for public services or to balance the budget. In such cases, only essential positions may be filled, and city departments may need to operate with fewer staff.

Impact on City Jobs

A hiring freeze in the public sector can lead to delays in services and a reduction in the quality of public offerings. For instance, city jobs in public health, education, and law enforcement may remain vacant, causing a backlog in services or an inability to respond to public needs. This can also affect the public perception of city management and governance, leading to dissatisfaction among residents.

Alternatives to Hiring Freezes

Cross-Training and Outsourcing

To mitigate the negative effects of a hiring freeze, employers may look into alternatives like cross-training existing employees to take on additional responsibilities. This ensures that the existing workforce can maintain productivity despite reduced staffing. Outsourcing certain tasks or hiring temporary workers can also provide short-term solutions to specific gaps caused by the freeze.

Automation

Automation is another alternative to hiring freezes. By investing in technology that streamlines operations and reduces reliance on manual labor, employers can maintain efficiency while controlling staffing costs. Automation can be particularly effective in industries like retail, manufacturing, and customer service, where repetitive tasks can be managed by technology.

Communication Strategies

How Employers Should Communicate Freezes

Effective communication is essential during a hiring freeze. Employers should be transparent with their staff about the reasons for the freeze, its expected duration, and its potential impacts on the organization. This can help reduce anxiety and uncertainty among employees.

Regular updates and clear communication can also help manage expectations, especially when the freeze is expected to last for an extended period. Providing clear reasoning behind the freeze and any steps the organization is taking to address challenges can improve employee morale and prevent disengagement.

Long-Term Implications

Effects on Organizational Growth

While a hiring freeze may provide short-term financial relief, it can have long-term consequences for organizational growth. A sustained freeze can hinder the company’s ability to expand, innovate, or remain competitive in its industry. The lack of new talent can lead to stagnation, particularly if the company is unable to fill critical roles or attract the skills needed to drive growth.

Recovery after the Freeze

Once a hiring freeze is lifted, the company must take steps to recover from the workforce gaps created by the freeze. This often involves aggressive recruitment efforts, re-evaluating organizational structures, and rebuilding employee morale. Ensuring that the organization can quickly ramp up its workforce is critical for resuming normal operations and regaining the momentum lost during the freeze.

A hiring freeze in Chicago, whether in the private or public sector, has wide-reaching implications for employers, employees, and the community. While it may be a necessary step to reduce costs during economic hardship, it can lead to workforce disruption, reduced morale, and challenges in meeting organizational objectives. By understanding the causes, impacts, and alternatives to hiring freezes, organizations can better navigate these difficult decisions and maintain their long-term growth and success. Clear communication, strategic planning, and consideration of employee well-being are essential for managing the challenges associated with hiring freezes.

Are Automated Workflows Already Making Positive Changes?

The Chicago Journal Staff 2 on April 17, 2025

Automation has become a transformative force in the modern workplace. With the rise of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and robotic process automation (RPA), businesses are increasingly implementing automated workflows to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance employee satisfaction. As automated workflows become more widespread across industries, it’s essential to understand how they work, the benefits they offer, and the challenges businesses face in their implementation. This article explores the positive changes automated workflows are already making and looks into the future of this transformative technology.

Overview of Automated Workflows

Automated workflows are processes that use software tools or systems to perform tasks that traditionally required human intervention. These tasks are typically repetitive, time-consuming, and rule-based. By automating these processes, businesses can improve speed, accuracy, and consistency across operations.

How Automated Workflows Work

At the core of automated workflows are systems that integrate various software tools to execute tasks automatically based on predefined conditions. For example, an automated workflow could automatically generate reports based on real-time data, send notifications, or trigger responses to customer inquiries without human intervention. These workflows are designed to handle tasks across different departments and functions, creating a seamless operational flow.

Types of Automated Workflows

Automated workflows can be classified into different types, such as document management workflows, customer service automation, and HR process automation. They can also be industry-specific, tailored to meet the needs of manufacturing, finance, healthcare, and other sectors. Regardless of the type, the goal is to streamline operations and reduce manual effort.

Benefits of Automated Workflows

The adoption of automated workflows has led to several positive changes for businesses, ranging from improved efficiency to enhanced customer satisfaction.

Increased Efficiency

The most significant benefit of automated workflows is increased efficiency. Automation removes the bottlenecks that can occur when tasks are performed manually, allowing processes to be completed faster and with fewer errors. This allows businesses to operate more efficiently, improving overall productivity and reducing the time spent on administrative tasks.

Cost Reduction

By automating routine tasks, businesses can save money by reducing the need for manual labor. This is particularly beneficial in industries that rely on repetitive processes, where automation can eliminate the need for staff to complete low-value tasks. This enables organizations to allocate resources more effectively and focus on strategic initiatives.

Consistency and Accuracy

Automated workflows are also more consistent and accurate than human-performed tasks. Machines do not suffer from fatigue or distraction, meaning they can execute tasks with a high degree of precision. This consistency is crucial for ensuring high-quality outcomes and reducing errors, which is particularly important in fields like finance, healthcare, and manufacturing.

Improved Employee Satisfaction

By offloading repetitive tasks to automated systems, employees can focus on more meaningful work that requires creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. This shift not only boosts employee morale but also increases job satisfaction and productivity. Additionally, automation can reduce burnout by ensuring that employees are not overwhelmed by repetitive, tedious tasks.

Industry-Specific Impacts

Automated workflows are making a significant impact across various industries, transforming operations and driving innovation.

Manufacturing

In the manufacturing sector, automated workflows are revolutionizing production lines. By implementing automation, manufacturers can improve speed, reduce human error, and ensure consistent product quality. From assembling products to managing inventory, automation allows manufacturers to streamline operations and meet market demands more effectively.

Healthcare

In healthcare, automation is improving patient care by reducing administrative burdens. Automated workflows enable healthcare providers to handle scheduling, patient records, billing, and communication more efficiently. This not only reduces operational costs but also allows healthcare professionals to focus more on patient care, leading to better health outcomes.

Finance

In the financial services industry, automated workflows are transforming back-office operations, such as transaction processing, account reconciliation, and compliance reporting. By automating these functions, financial institutions can minimize the risk of errors, improve operational efficiency, and offer faster services to clients. In addition, RPA has been widely used to manage routine tasks like data entry and claims processing.

Retail

Retailers are using automated workflows to improve inventory management, order fulfillment, and customer support. Automation helps streamline the supply chain, ensuring that products are available when customers need them. It also enables retailers to respond to customer inquiries more quickly, enhancing the customer experience.

Customer Service

Automated workflows in customer service include the use of chatbots, ticketing systems, and automated call centers. These systems handle routine customer inquiries, process returns, and track issues, allowing customer service representatives to focus on more complex problems. This leads to faster response times and a higher level of customer satisfaction.

Technological Advancements

Several technological advancements are driving the widespread adoption of automated workflows, enhancing their capabilities and effectiveness.

AI and Machine Learning

AI and machine learning play a pivotal role in enabling automated workflows. These technologies allow systems to learn from data and improve their performance over time. For example, machine learning algorithms can help automate complex tasks like customer segmentation, fraud detection, and predictive maintenance.

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing has facilitated the scalability of automated workflows. Cloud-based platforms enable businesses to store and process data more efficiently, while providing real-time access to information. This scalability allows businesses to adapt their workflows as needed, regardless of their size or geographic location.

Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is a key technology that powers many automated workflows. RPA enables businesses to automate repetitive, rule-based tasks by using bots to mimic human actions. This allows organizations to streamline processes across various functions, such as finance, HR, and customer service.

Integration with Existing Systems

Modern automated workflows integrate seamlessly with existing software and systems. Whether it’s an ERP system, CRM, or email platform, automation tools are designed to work with the tools businesses already use. This integration reduces the complexity of implementation and enhances the overall effectiveness of automation.

Challenges of Implementing Automated Workflows

While automated workflows offer significant benefits, businesses face several challenges when implementing these systems.

Initial Setup Costs

Setting up automated workflows can be costly, especially for small to medium-sized businesses. The initial investment required for software, hardware, and training can be a significant barrier to entry. However, the long-term cost savings and efficiency improvements can outweigh these initial costs.

Resistance to Change

Employees may resist the shift toward automation, especially if they fear that their jobs will be displaced. Overcoming resistance to change requires effective communication, leadership, and training to ensure employees understand the benefits of automation and how it will impact their roles.

Complexity of Integration

Integrating automated workflows with existing systems can be complex. Businesses need to ensure that their workflows are compatible with their current infrastructure, which may require significant time and effort. Working with technology providers and experts can help ease this integration process.

Data Security Concerns

Automating workflows often involves handling sensitive data, which can raise concerns about security. It’s essential for businesses to implement robust security measures, such as encryption, access control, and regular audits, to ensure that automated systems comply with data protection regulations.

The Future of Automated Workflows

Looking ahead, automated workflows will continue to evolve, offering even greater capabilities and expanding into new sectors.

Trends and Innovations

The future of automated workflows will likely include further advancements in AI, RPA, and machine learning. These technologies will continue to improve workflow efficiency, enabling more complex tasks to be automated. Additionally, innovations in cloud computing and IoT integration will further enhance automation capabilities.

Expansion to New Sectors

As the benefits of automated workflows become more apparent, businesses in new sectors will begin to adopt them. Industries such as education, government, and logistics are expected to increasingly implement automation to improve operations and service delivery.

Ethical Considerations

As automation becomes more widespread, ethical considerations will play an important role in its adoption. Businesses must ensure that automated workflows do not result in job displacement or exacerbate inequality. Ensuring that automation benefits employees, customers, and businesses alike will be a critical challenge moving forward.

Automated workflows are already making significant positive changes in various industries by improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing employee satisfaction. As technological advancements continue to drive the evolution of automation, businesses will be able to automate more complex tasks and expand automation into new sectors. While challenges such as implementation costs and data security concerns remain, the benefits of automated workflows are clear. As the technology becomes more accessible and advanced, it will undoubtedly continue to transform the way businesses operate, creating new opportunities for growth and innovation.