September 2024:

Reflections on Life’s Voyages

Chaplain’s Log Star date 9.5784

It is month two aboard the JFCS and the captain and crew have been welcoming. As the incoming Jewish Community Chaplain, I have been asked to write a blog to share mission activities, recommendations, and wisdom.

I have always loved Star Trek, not just because both grandfathers were aerospace engineers but because the human need to explore, question and understand often finds itself looking towards the stars. There in the stars we are confronted with how small we are in the universe and simultaneously how wondrous it is that we each exist as individuals.

In Star Trek the earth has found a guiding force of unity, there are regular attempts to disrupt the peace but, in general the problems of earthly existence are solved. According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of human needs when people struggle to receive the basic needs of safety, food, housing, rest, and health the need to survive dominates their existence. Only when those things are met can they move towards fulfilling the need for love, community, friendship, and intimacy. When those needs are met, they can give of themselves to help others meet their needs. It’s like the saying goes, “you can’t pour from an empty pitcher”.

The Jewish month of Elul starts at the beginning of September this year. Elul is a special time for the Jewish people because it is a time of deep reflection and change that precedes the High Holidays. It is a time where we can evaluate our needs and our ability to help other people. A time to check just how full our pitcher is and makes some choices about what we need/can do. Are you surviving? Are you thriving? Are you able to help those people who aren’t but want the opportunity to live healthier, happier lives?

I have noticed that it is often harder to ask for help than to give help. Giving is often its own reward, while asking for help can feel vulnerable and weak. The truth is we all need help sometimes and there is great strength in asking for help. Asking for help lets other people feed their soul by helping and doing the work they feel called to do. Asking for help means someday being able to not only give back but to understand what it means to need help and receive help.

So, this year as we move towards another Jewish New Year, I will continue to hope that someday our earthly problems will be solved, and we can “boldly go where no person has gone before” (even Star Trek still needs to work on somethings). Until then I will be here at JFCS waiting for your call, so I can help, when you need help.

Rabbi Sarah Rensin
(503) 226-7079 ext. 740
rabbisarah@jfcs-potland.org

JFCS’ Counseling program can help as well. Our counselors provide compassionate mental health services to adults, children, teens, and families facing life’s challenges. For more information about JFCS’ clinicians and how to see a JFCS therapist, click here.