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.

.org
We Have Answers.




Need help finding
senior care?


Call jhelp at 1-833-44-JHELP


Visit jhelp.org


Chat online with a staff
member or schedule a

call at jhelp.org


Do all of the above
✗

Q