Three Goals for the New Year

Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year. The word “rosh” means “head,” and “shanah” means “year.” Many rabbis throughout the centuries have pointed out that Rosh Hashanah could also be read as “rosh hashinui,” which means the “beginning of change.” And so, as kind of a exercise in self-examination, or what the rabbis’ called heshbon hanefesh, I am beginning to think about what three changes I would like to see – either in myself or in the world – in the coming year. Please think about joining me on this journey.

Iranian Nuclearization

There is no greater problem facing Israel and the free world than this problem. The mad-men in Iran have already shown their lack of respect for democracy by their actions during the recent election and are responsible for the oppression and the murder of many of their political opponents.

The Iranian leader, Mahmud Ahmadinejad, is the world’s foremost supporter of terrorism. Thousands of dollars in weapons are sent by Iran monthly to Hezbollah and Hamas. Ahmadinejad has publicly stated his desire to wipe Israel from the map.

There are now more than 7,500 centrifuges in Iran making low-grade uranium. German intelligence recently stated that Iran could go nuclear within the next six months, and the American Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates, said this summer that, “Iran’s nuclear ambitions are the greatest current threat to global security.” The prospect of a nuclear arms race among the Arab nations in response to Iran is indeed scary. Behind the scenes, we know that countries such as Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt are very concerned, as are Sunni Muslims, about the prospect of a nuclear Iran.

Even scarier is the religious dimension, suggesting that the 12th Imam could very well come if Israel were to be defeated. Because of this religious dimension, there is word that the Mullahs in Iran might be willing to sacrifice an Iranian city or two if it meant that Israel ceased to exist.

Therefore my first hope and prayer is that, somehow or another, the free world will wake-up to this incredible threat to world peace. The United States, together with other countries, must tighten the economic sanctions on Iran – this could be done immediately. If the Iranians refuse to give up their nuclear designs, and refuse to enter negotiations with the rest of the free world, then the option of force must be considered. In short, this is the greatest change that we need to pray for and work toward in the coming year.

Being Judgmental

At a recent seminar I attended, the following question was asked by the leader: “What would be your number one priority for making a change in your relationship with the most significant person in your life?” The answer that was given by more than two-thirds of the people was, “I would like to be less judgmental and less critical.”

This, my friends, is not solely a problem for our intimate relationships. It is a problem that we have in almost all our relationships. While there is certainly a time when criticism is justified, the rabbis tell us that compassion and love should be at least in equal measure to our judgmental tendencies. The Baal Shem Tov taught that love of one’s fellow Jew – or, I might add, love of one’s fellow human beings – is the primary commandment.

So, my own personal goal, and one that I would wish for all of us, is that the next time we are prone to criticize; we step back and try to think, “Why is this person doing what he or she is doing? Can I understand this person better? And, can I respond to him or her with compassion and love instead of with judgment and criticism?”

Our Precious Heritage

Judaism is indeed a precious heritage. It has been given to us, le dor va dor, from generation to generation, for more than 3,000 years. If we go back several generations we find that our family members lived and breathed their Jewish faith as well as their commitment to God and the Jewish people. Judaism also has so much to say about our current situation. Whether it is environmental problems, corporate greed and financial malfeasance, or the quest for peace – Jewish tradition provides many sign-posts that could be extraordinarily useful in improving our world.

Sadly, there are all too few of us who recognize this. All too often, we are controlled by the tyranny of our calendars. On our list of priorities, the study of Torah, being involved in a Jewish organization, prayer, and working for social justice often are too far down the list. These activities are often neglected.

And yet, we in the Jewish community need one another. Judaism says that how we behave does not affect us alone, it influences others – this is why we need a minyan, ten people, for worship. This is why people in Judaism are not to just “do their own thing.” Judaism tells us that, like instruments in a symphony, each of us has our own particular contribution and notes to play – and if we do not play them, the overall music of the Jewish people is diminished.

So, my final prayer for this year is that we will recognize the beauty of our heritage in greater ways and, to a greater extent, find ways to manifest that beauty through our study, prayer, and action.

May the year 5770 be a good and a sweet year for all of us – but more than that, may it also be a year of change and repair!