11 Sep Learning from the Inmates
One of the opportunities I have as a Rabbi here in Raleigh is to visit Jewish inmates on a regular basis at a prison about 40 minutes from here, speaking to them about upcoming Jewish holidays, the Torah portion and giving them encouragement to live as proud Jews in their difficult environment. While talking to one inmate this past week who I’ve been visiting for a few years, he was talking about the passage of time. He observed that having been behind bars for the past 20 years, he never had the chance to meet any of his grandchildren, who were well into their teens at this point. He also mentioned that he just celebrated his 80th birthday.
“Keinahara!” I remarked, impressed that he looked a good decade younger than he was. “You look marvelous at 80!” And then I jokingly quipped, “This place must be quite the luxurious retirement community!”
I expected him to respond as many inmates do, complaining (often justifiably) about the living conditions and the way they are treated,and that he’s in good health in spite of his undesirable residency, not because of it. Instead he answered, “actually, this place isn’t all that bad! I get free room and board, including Kosher meals. I have a running track a minute away from where I sleep, allowing me to exercise every day. And I’ve made some incredible friendships with the other inmates over the years, many of whom continue to stay in touch with me by mail long after they’ve been released, thanking me for helping them during them during some tough stretches in their lives. While I certainly didn’t request to be here, whether I choose to be miserable or content is truly my choice, and so much in life is a matter of perspective.”
I was impressed at his positive outlook and attitude, and told him how remarkable it was that he’s sharing this with me during the week we read Parshat Vayeishev, which relates how Joseph gets sold as a slave by his brothers and then gets falsely accused of a crime without any due process, landing him in jail for 12 years. Given his rough and seemingly unfair experiences, Joseph had all the justification to be a bitter, resentful and cynical young man, wanting to get back at the world for the cruelty he went through. Instead, he made the most out of his incredibly challenging situation, looking out for others who needed help, realizing that it was G-d who had placed him where he was, allowing him to be a beacon of light in a dark place. He exemplified the ever-enduring quality of the Jewish soul—the spark within each of us that not only can never be extinguished, but can actually ignite the souls of others.
Chanukah serves as an annual reminder that we have been tasked with the important role our ancestor Joseph exemplified. May we bring light and happiness into others lives, illuminating our own life in the process.
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