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Self Improvement
The motifs of Repentance (Teshuva), Prayer (Tefila) and Charity (Tzedakah) are among the several recurring themes that weave through the customs and liturgy of the "Days of Awe."
Unlike other holidays, Rosh Hashanah does not commemorate past events. More than just another "New Year," Rosh Hashanah is a good time to clarify for ourselves what we have achieved and what we want to do with our lives.
It is a good time to ask questions. In this season of reflection, why not check yourself out on some of these?
| In the last week, month, year - can I think of one major good deed that I did for someone else? Why did I do it? |
When did I last give a compliment to someone I really care for; someone I don't so much care for? |
| What mistakes have I made in the last year? What have I done to rectify them? |
What gives me meaning in life? How do I gain meaning and how do I strive for it? |
| What does being Jewish mean to me? What rights and responsibilities does that imply? |
Have I passed unfair judgment on a particular individual or group of persons? What was the reason? What could I do to rectify this? |
| What have I done to strengthen some aspect of my being Jewish? For example - getting closer to God, being active in my community, supporting Israeli causes, studying Jewish texts... |
What are my dreams, my ideals? What challenges me in the Jewish world and beyond? What am I doing to achieve these ideals? |
Do you want to be a better person? - Do you want to eat less? - Do you want to be less impatient? - Do you want to learn more?
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