After months of no contact, which probably aged his mother years, the family got word last weekend. He had been picked up by police in Idaho, of all places, and was in custody.
It turns out that he had bought a car in California, legally registered it, and drove some 800 miles to a place he lived years ago. He was healthy but unkempt, and when he knocked on a woman's door to ask if there were any odd jobs, she called the authorities and they arrested him.
His mother spoke to the arresting officer, who reported that he was a very smart and courteous young man, who looked like he came from the 60s. The cop figured he'd take him in for his own good, for a hot meal and a shower, and then he'd be on his way. A week later he's still in state custody, and they're determining whether to commit him for mental health treatment.
His extended family is heartbroken for his mother, for all of her pain, anxiety, and uncertainty over the fate of her son. His brother is concerned, but feels strongly that he's making his own decisions, wrong ones, but still his own decisions, and that ultimately he'll find his way. His brother is wise beyond his years.
I'm powerless to help, but I tried anyway, calling upon a clergyman who lives in the city. I've seen people find direction through the Torah. Hell --the majority of my co religionists will tell you it's the ONLY direction. I'm praying that maybe this young rabbi will awaken something in this troubled young man, and give him some wisdom.
I joked with his mother that I wish for her a dilemma --her son won't eat in her house someday because she doesn't keep kosher. Oh, we both agreed, wouldn't that be a wonderful dilemma to have.
Chanukah started last night. The modern symbolism of the day is giving light. We're taught that all people must be the lamp lighters, giving charity, and sharing of ourselves, so that the darkness of evil and sadness will be vanquished.
I pray that the symbolism is true for one young man, a true lost soul. Let him see the light, and come in off the road, and make a life for himself.
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