How many Jews does it take to change

Rabbi Howard S. Herman DD

Both incremental and monumental happenings can alter our lives.

It can be something as minor as a chance encounter or as major as a pandemic, but when we emerge on the other side, there is no question something has changed. Many people query as to whether the change is good or bad. I, personally, do not believe that we should judge the change because change is inevitable, the only variable being velocity. The question becomes how quickly or slowly are we able to adapt to that change and what can we do to make that alteration a positive force in our life?

This is my current mindset as we are about to enter into a period of time known as the Yamim Noraim, the High Holy Days, where we actively look to bring about change. Our sacred texts tell us that changes are possible. It is important to reinvigorate and dedicate ourselves to the possibility and probability of transformation. Our ancestors teach us that an enslaved people need not stay downtrodden forever — they too can become a “kingdom of Priests and a holy nation.”

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, while sacred days of prayer, introspection and holiness, are also marvelous opportunities for change, growth and new perspective. It does not always have to do with sin, regret or error. It has to do with desiring a new healthy balance within one’s life.

We human beings often become disengaged by two aspects of change. The first is the inevitable ups and downs. The second is that when we reach our goal, it is only then that we realize we have to continue enabling ourselves to stay there. To maintain the beneficial feeling of growth and purposefulness that brought us to want change to begin with, we have to keep striving forward. In order to do that, we must put a support system in place.

To initiate or encourage change, dramatic, bold steps generally don’t work. The Talmud teaches us, “Tofasta maruba lo tofasta.” (“If you grab too much, you will end up with nothing at all.”) With consistent baby steps sustained over time, there are often meaningful long-term results.

The process of change is indeed a process. It doesn’t happen all at once. But once you have begun the process and realize some observable changes, you have to keep at it consistently and in earnest for it to continue. Change requires commitment. You can be inspired by others, but they cannot want the changes for you more than you want them for yourself.

So, when is the right time to change for the better? An old tale attributed to Rabbi Israel Salanter tells the story of walking past the home of the town shoemaker one night. Despite the late hour, the shoemaker was still working by the light of a dying candle. When the rabbi asked why he was still at it, the shoemaker said that as long as the candle was burning, it was still possible to accomplish and mend. It dawned on the rabbi, if the shoemaker could work as long as there was light, “why can’t I improve my life as long as I am alive?”

It is a unique insight that the light of the candle is an analogy to the light of your life. As long as you are breathing, you have the opportunity to mend your ways and improve your behavior.

It is now the season of change. Success in changing comes one step at a time. Come to a decision now and take the control of the life that you want. Don’t procrastinate. As Hillel teaches us, “If not now, when?”

Happy New Year.

Shanah Tovah Umetukah.

Rabbi Howard S. Herman DD serves at Naples Jewish Congregation.