The Jewish New Year is celebrated in the fall, usually September or October, as opposed to the secular New Year on January 1st, which just passed. Since it is always a good time of year to decide to make changes in our lives to improve our lives, Rabbi Balkany believes it is positive to use January 1st as a stepping stone to making “New Year’s Resolutions.”
What are some areas in everybody’s lives that can be worked on to make them more rewarding, inspiring, and helpful?
One thing that comes to mind immediately is improving our relationships: with our spouses, parents, children, brothers, sisters, friends, and just about everyone we come in contact with.
With our spouses and children, who we see frequently, we should resolve to not take our relationship for granted. We must remember to set aside time dedicated especially to enjoying each other and getting to know each other better. Just relaxing together, going for a walk, eating together, talking more on the phone, are all small things to do to make our lives more rewarding and our loved ones more beloved.
As Rabbi Milton Balkany might quote from the Song of Songs:
Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm.