As men and women living in the twenty-first century, we are called upon all the time to make changes in our behavior and to accept changes occasioned by external factors such as technology, politics, or the vagaries of style. Sometimes those changes are small, involving nothing more serious than mastering a new computer program. Sometimes, however, they are more dramatic, arising from the kind of self-examination we undergo during the High Holidays. Deciding to change is the first step. More important, however, is a real commitment to improve ourselves.
Institutions can also change.
In fact, they must change if they are to continue to meet the needs of their constituents. It will also entail reformulation of job descriptions and the discarding of functions that no longer further the mission of the congregation. Institutions often consider change, but fall short of making it. In addition, it is frustrating when a change we begin to implement does not bring immediate results. Sometimes, we give up too soon.