A Rabbi’s Heart-to-Heart for Rosh Hashanah 11 Personal Resolutions I’m Taking Into 5787

There is a story about a man who came to his rabbi before Rosh Hashanah with a long list.

“Rabbi, I wrote down everything I want Hashem to give me this year.”

The rabbi looked at the list and said, “Wonderful. Now make another one.”

“The list of what you are prepared to give Hashem this year.”

That question stays with me.

Because Rosh Hashanah is certainly a time to ask Hashem for what we need—for health, nachas, parnassah, peace, security and blessing.

But before this Rosh Hashanah, I find myself asking a more personal question:

What does Hashem want from me?

So rather than offering another sermon about what everyone else should do, I want to have a little heart-to-heart and share 11 personal resolutions I am taking into the New Year.

I don’t offer them because I have mastered them. Quite the opposite. These are areas in which I want to grow myself.

Perhaps you will recognize a little of yourself in them too.

1. I Want Hashem to Be More Than a Word in My Siddur Rosh Hashanah is when we crown Hashem as King.

I say Hashem Melech. But my personal question is: Does Hashem’s Kingship actually affect the way I live?

Before I speak, react, make a decision or judge another person, do I stop to ask: What does Hashem want from me right now?

My first resolution is:

Hashem, I don’t only want to call You my King. I want to live as though You are my King.

2. I Want to Trust Hashem Even When I Don’t Understand Him

There are things in life I understand, and there are things I simply don’t.

There are disappointments, unanswered questions and moments when we look upward and ask, Why?

I cannot promise that this year I will understand Hashem better.

But I can resolve to trust Him more........

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