Artwork by 7-year old

Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the Jewish new year 5774. While it is a solemn day of fasting and asking G-d for forgiveness, it is also a time to be thankful for a renewal of our life mission. The new year is an opportunity to take stock of how we have failed to meet our goals and ways we can improve. Rebbetzin Tzipporah Heller writes about creating a checklist for moving towards our personal and professional goals. “G-d created us with a specific set of talents, limitations, and circumstances. Our purpose in life is to understand how we can use our gifts (and challenges) to maximize our potential. “ She suggests possible areas we might choose to better ourselves and our relationships:

1. Relationships. Am I spending quality time with people I care about? Am I showing enough patience, compassion and respect towards co-workers, friends –and strangers? Do I look for virtues in others? Do I listen attentively to others? Do I take joy in the success and accomplishments of others?
2. Spiritually. Am I focused on appreciating the beauty and unity of nature? Do I pray with concentration and understanding? Do I realize that God is the source of all life, including the challenges as well?
3. Character development. Am I aware of times when I am arrogant, sarcastic or critical? Do I appreciate the pleasure of all I have – both materially and spiritually? Am I careful not to waste precious time?
4. Torah Study. Have I set aside specific times daily for Torah study? Have I worked to make difficult Torah concepts relevant to my life today? Have I progressed in my knowledge of Hebrew, the Bible, Jewish philosophy and history?
5. Career. Have I selected a career that satisfies my innate need for meaning and accomplishment? Have I created a work environment free of jealousy, gossip, and immodest behavior?
6. Global and Community Concerns. Am I actively involved in contributing to the improvement of my community? Am I idealistic about the possibility of repairing the world? Am I engaged in communicating this ideal to others? Do I feel pain for fellow Jews who have assimilated and estranged from their heritage?
7.Health. Am I eating well and exercising regularly? Am I aware of relevant new medical information?
8.Financial. Do I have a plan for handling unforeseen expenses? Am I quick to pay off debts? Do I give tzedakah regularly?
9. Chesbon. Have I clearly established short-term and long-term goals? Are my actions leading to those goals? Do I have a workable system for monitoring my progress?

 This list is by no means exhaustive. Its purpose is merely to help get your own gears turning. “Now, spend time refining your lists, in a way that will identify your three most important goals. Then write these three in order of priority. You have now finished a “Lifetime Goals Statement.” Monitor your list on a regular basis—either daily, weekly or monthly—and before long you will see the blossoming new you!” Rebbetzin Heller said.