JANUARY 20 • 2022 | 9

letters

A Touching Column
Dr. Jeff London’s article, “40 
Years of Psychiatry: What Have I 
Learned?” (Jan. 6, 2022) touched 
me deeply with his honesty, 
humility and hope. I have 
practiced psychology for many 
years and can identify with his 
perceptive insights and lessons 
about the human condition. 
I especially resonated with the 
following paragraph: “The thought 
that one never knows the effect 
you might have in each encounter 
has helped me through the ups 
and downs of 40 years of practice. 
It was also a wonderful life lesson.”
Yes, we have psychiatric 
medications that metaphorically 
go after problems in our hard 
drives. And yes, we have 
psychological therapies that help 
correct cognitive distortions, 

irrational beliefs and rigid coping 
styles in our software. But, as Dr. 
London reminds us, “we often just 
need a connection with another 
person to find our own way back 
home.” 

— Steven J. Ceresnie, Ph.D.

Psychologist

Plymouth

CORRECTION
In “Help Wanted,” (Jan. 6, page 
14), Melissa Pletcher’s title was 
incorrect. She should have been 
described as Volunteer Services 
Coordinator.

thing to do. I realize that vaccinations have 
become controversial in some quarters, 
but they shouldn’t be. COVID has been 
a scourge to all of us, and while we can’t 
control the world around us entirely … 
perhaps the most fundamental message of 
Torah is that we, as human beings, do play 
a vital role in creating the future we desire. 
And I am confident that that future will 
soon be within reach as more institutions 
across society take steps to educate and 
encourage people to get vaccinated, to wear 
proper masks, and to act with both caution 
and optimism.
The one thing we cannot do in the face of 
evil or suffering is fail to act. Paraphrasing 
the words we declare every year during 
the High Holidays … the work of our own 
hands and our own hearts has the power 
to counteract even the most challenging 
reality. I pray that we are up to the task! 

Rabbi Mark Miller is the senior rabbi at Temple Beth El 

in Bloomfield Township.

NEW VACCINATION POLICY continued from page 6

Supported through the generosity of The Jewish Fund and the D. Dan and Betty Kahn Family Foundation.

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Q

