What a year it’s been! From climate change to political upheaval, and in the forefront of it all - the continuing pandemic - this has been a year like no other.
Ransomware, covid-19 variants, uncontrolled wildfires, a withdrawal from Afghanistan, devastating weather events, a new government in Israel, a world in turmoil - need I say more?
Somehow we’ve survived it all and are on the cusp of Rosh Hashanah, a New Year.
Rosh Hashanah is described in our liturgy as “Hayom Harat Olam - The Birthday of the World.” So the holiday itself connotes a new beginning for each of us, ripe with opportunities for self-improvement.
For is there any one of us who cannot stand to improve him/herself in any number of ways? We are flawed human beings, created “b’tzelem Elohim - in God’s image,” suggesting that even Hakadosh Baruch Hu - our Holy God, is not without fault. (And that’s a topic for another time!)
How do we go about improving ourselves? Well, it’s not about making “New Year’s resolutions,” which historically do not work. If they did, there would be fewer smokers, more of us in top physical condition, and a slew of dieting success stories.
It’s not about sweeping, dramatic change; it’s more about revising and improving the small things that could end up making a big difference in the quality of our lives.
Are you not a particularly charitable person? Instead of writing one check to one worthy cause, how about supporting a second one as well?
Do you work too many hours? Instead of taking one large chunk of time, how about carving out a regular block of even a few hours for recreation, relaxation, whatever.
Are you overly self-absorbed? How about making a conscious effort to be present in the moment when in the company of others?
Are you unhappy with your body - it could be your weight or your level of physical fitness? Take the small steps that could add up over the long-term: walk the stairs instead of taking the elevator, or take a walk in your neighborhood and enjoy your natural surroundings. Don’t feel compelled to be a member of “the clean plate club” at each meal, and don’t take a second helping - of whatever.
Are you unhappy with the state of our world, or our country, or your hometown? Well, you probably (definitely?!?) can’t solve the world’s problems, but you can surely make a difference at the local level, which could very well effect the larger picture. So become involved in your own way and at your own pace.
In short, each Rosh Hashanah is a chance to do things a little bit differently, a little bit better.
We can only hope and pray that the year 5782 will not be more of the same. But along with our hopes and prayers, some action certainly couldn’t hurt.
To all, a Shana Tova, M’tukah U-v’riah - a year filled with goodness, sweetness, and health.