Pre Rosh Hashana reflections on Shabbat
Thirty years ago, when we saw someone jogging in the street near our home, we would assume this individual is most likely a professional sports person. Today, it is rare to walk and not see people running. Millions of people are much more aware of our need to maintain and improve physical activity, for the sake of a long, good quality life. (Except for that some streets are so polluted that it might balance off the gain – the joggers are generally right…).
Two weeks pre Rosh Hashana, I am thinking whether we have (or, I had) tried to maintain/ improve- my spiritual “wellbeing” over the last few years? The answer I gave to myself was – No. I am “sitting on my laurels” – doing very little to gain any further step from where I was X years ago. (The fact that neither am I jogging daily is a poor consolation!).
So – While we are so involved, and correctly so – in learning to improve and extend the length of life and its quality, perhaps it’s an idea to explore, in parallel – our inner, deeper needs – those that are engraved in our unique soul, and remain sometimes in “sleeping mode” for years. Even the thought of doing so, gave me some new spiritual dynamics. However, this will fade into the new year if I do nothing.
There is no better time in our calendar than Rosh Hashana to think and commit oneself to further development of our own soul, our Neshama. Stagnation is not a good option. I know where my spiritual shortcomings are, I suspect that most people know, or can discover, the areas in their soul, which can be developed further. We are here not (only) for better muscles, but (mainy) for being a better Mensch.
Best wishes and Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Chaim Michael Biberfeld