The answer, I believe, lies in human nature. Much of my day job involves working with people in crisis, often at the intersection of various forms of sub-stance abuse and the criminal justice system. When the crisis is acute and the person has been charged with a crime or has been jailed or has been involved in a serious act of misconduct, it is relatively easy to appreciate the need to make change, to dedicate oneself to dealing with the collection of problems at hand. Many do make significant changes, often motivated by the fear of jail, the fear of losing family and friends, and the fear of appearing before a judge. In some respects, it is easier to make changes, when the alternative is right in front of you. However, as I discuss with many clients, it is often harder to maintain progress a few months later, when the fear of jail or of the judge has receded.
It is now a few months after the shock and awe of Kol Nidre. Darkness is replacing light in our daily lives. The promises and pleas we have made in the bright light of Yom Kippur are at risk of being overtaken by time, by the busyness of life and habits, and by the darkness of winter. So we have Chanukah, considered by most to be a minor holiday, a holiday for kids, but perhaps it is much more. Perhaps it is a timely reminder of the promises we made just a few months ago.
For those who wish to dedicate more time, energy and spirit to BAJC, may I urge parents of children in our Hebrew School to join our Education Committee? Your input is vital to the continued growth and suc-cess of our school. For those who wish to wrap themselves and their neighbors in the true heart of BAJC, please consider our Sunshine Committee as well as our Social Action Committee and our Mem-bership Committee. To all, a Happy Chanukah. And, please read Jim’s column more than once—it really gets to the heart of the matter.
B'Shalom,
Paul
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