As part of our human nature, we begin a new year with great optimism and hope, though experience has taught us that there is no year that does not contain its share of problems. And some of the challenges that we may face, the very severe ones, are not given to easy solutions. Nevertheless, that in no way dampens our hopes for a year of goodness, success, health and accomplishment.

 

We are also aware that the old year left us a residue of unsolved issues. There are dangerous situations and clouded vision regarding our future and what actions should be taken to safeguard that future. The dividing line between the old year and the new year is marked on the calendar but in the reality, the old year simply merges into the new year, acquiring a new date but not necessarily marking any fundamental change.

 

Because of this, the Jewish new year is always ushered in by ten days of reflection, controlled behavior and repentance. This period of time is meant to ameliorate the influence of the old year, its problems and disappointments and to allow us to advance forward by admitting past errors, both personal and national.

 

As anyone who drives an automobile will tell you, good use of the rearview mirror is essential to safe driving. Well that metaphor applies to all facets of human life as well. And these ten days, of sober reflection and honest reappraisal of our past deeds, become for us the rear view mirror that will allow us to navigate the twists and turns of the new year – twists and turns that will undoubtedly appear on our road of national and personal life.

 

It is very difficult to admit error. Many if not most of us are controlled by preset ideologies that govern our worldview and our reaction to events and problems. It is easy for us to disagree, criticize and even vilify others because of their views and beliefs. It is very difficult for us to turn that very same spotlight on ourselves. Self-righteousness is a very prevalent human condition, especially amongst those that hold steadfast ideologies.

 

The ten days of repentance is a period of time that is meant to train us in the ability to see our own faults and assess our own weaknesses. It instructs us to look inward and not outward towards others. Jewish tradition teaches us that during this period of time no court sessions are scheduled that deal with legal disputes between people. During this time we should not be concerned with “winning” as much as we should be concerned with our own self-improvement and our ability to adjust and compromise with situations and with other people.

 

In my rabbinic experience and I have been a rabbi for close to sixty years, I have known people who have discontinued their legal cases against others after reassessing themselves during this ten day period. Admittedly this only occurred in a small number of instances and was not the norm. Nevertheless, the fact that it did occur, even if only once, showed me the power of true self-evaluation and of the ability to let go of previously held views and self-justification.

 

One of the great Hasidic masters said that the power of honest self-evaluation restores our soul and connects us to our Creator. Perhaps that is why it is so difficult, as any spiritual advance is resisted by our innate animalistic nature and inclination to blame others for our problems and failures.

 

One of the lessons of this holy period of the calendar is that in the overall scheme of the universe we are pretty puny and relatively insignificant. The arrogance of self-importance contributes to much of our strife and discomfort.  We are quick to judge others and very hesitant to look in our own rearview mirror.

 

It hurts, physically and psychologically, to admit being wrong in behavior, speech or attitude. The hurt that one feels in making such an admission is as great as the pain one suffers from a physical blow. And because we know that it is going to hurt, we are very reticent to look at ourselves honestly and to reassess our lives.

 

Yet we also know that there is no gain without pain and that if we wish to be better people we must steel ourselves, to look at ourselves and our actions honestly and truthfully. This is the time of the year to do so and in so doing we can justify our appeal to Heaven to grant us a truly good and beneficial new year.

 

Shabbat shalom

Gmar Chatima tova

 

Berel Wein