Jewish Community Center of Washington, DC

Fries and Life Choices

From Theater J's Literary Director

About six months after I started working at the J Arna took me and my co-worker Becky out to lunch at Annie's--a favorite spot of hers. We took advantage of the opportunity to talk about the things that don't always fit into the work day--stories about family, life, backgrounds, and futures. Eventually we got around to ordering.

Arna ordered her sandwich "...but no fries". I admired her self control. When the orders arrived, she requested however--"One fry" from each of our plates. Two whole french fries. Who can stop at only two french fries? She explained that she loved fries, and wouldn't deny herself all together, but that a plate of fries was not on her agenda.

It was a strange but simple lesson about restraint for me--allowing oneself the pleasures of life, in moderation, but not so much that it can do harm. It's a balance that I struggle to find myself, and a moment I always remember because it is an example of Arna's ability to integrate valuable lessons into every day life. Such lessons are the best kind, I think.

Great thanks to you Arna. You can have one of my fries anytime.

Best,

Shirley Serotsky
Theater J

 

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