Professional Statement
“Who is not recalled on this day? For when the remembrance of everything fashioned comes before you: everyone’s deed and mission, the accomplishments of man’s activity, man’s thoughts and his schemes, and the motives behind man’s deeds.”
As I sit down to pen this declaration I realize that the Days of Awe are quickly approaching, and the synchronicity of these events is not lost on me. For me, this contemplation begins with firm belief that every human being was created with his/her specific mission in life. That is, we were created to “carry out a concrete assignment that demands fulfillment. Therein [we] cannot be replaced, nor can [our] life be repeated, thus, everyone's task is unique as [is the] specific opportunity to implement it” (Frankel, 1959, p. 131)i. Moreover, one’s environment, from one’s microsystem to one’s macrosystem is all perfectly structured for this one mission. For, the Creator of infinite wisdom does not create haphazardly, and in a universe with workings that are so precise and interrelated, there is a specific reason that an individual was created at the exact time and place that s/he was. On the other hand, knowing the specific role one has in the sublime drama of creation is indeed an enigma.
However, according to Rabbeinu Bachya (1040) when it comes to one’s occupation we were given some hints, he writes:
Every person has a preference for a particular occupation or business over another, as G-D implanted within his nature love and affection for it...Similarly, you will find among human beings that different personalities and physiques are predisposed toward certain trades and occupations. Whoever discovers within his personality and nature an attraction to a particular trade and his body is fit for it, and can endure its difficulty, should pursue it and make it his means of earning a livelihood, accepting its sweetness as well as its bitterness. (1996, pp. 393-395)ii
Upon reflection, I found that I have been instilled with a desire for knowledge, understanding, and wisdom; to make the world a more enlightened place by discovering what is real and true thereby making it more intelligible. I also have an ability to be deeply emphatic while still retaining my objectivity. I have an open disposition, with a curiosity and appreciation for different cultures. I mostly approach things with an open mind, and attempt to view them from different perspectives. My interests extend to all areas of knowledge; however, my life’s experiences, and the qualities of the science have led me to the study of psychology—and I believe I have found my calling.
Although I appreciate my individuality, I also realize that my significance as a cog is, more so, due to the import of the machine. As a professional, my aspirations are to provide a high standard of service; to develop my skills so that I can assist my clients as efficiently as possible. I believe that one must act with integrity; in a way that promotes trust in the profession. This requires being open and transparent in my relationships; allowing my clients to make an informed decision and empowering them to achieve the highest level of function. I also believe that most learning is done by osmosis and with that in mind I continuously examine my motivations and actions in my professional life and private life. Making sure that I am approachable and that I exude professionalism and ethicism in all that I do.
This on the 5th of September 2015
Isaac Brach
i Frankel, V. E. (1959). Man's Search for Meaning. USA: Beacon Press.
ii Paquda, B. b. (1996). Guide to the Duties of the Heart (Vol. 1). Jerusalem: Feldhiem Pubishers