The New Year of 5768

The New Year of 5768 is upon us and with it comes a myriad of resolutions. How many of us will succeed in accomplishing those far reaching goals and how many of us will dismally fail and remain mired in the same rut?

We all know that the most difficult thing to do in this world is to change. It makes no difference whether it is a bad habit or an attitude towards a loved one or boss. Change requires immense courage, focus, preparation and constant vigilance. Just as there are no instant diets, so too, there is no instant method for successful repentance—in Hebrew, Teshuva.

We all have many areas in life that we can improve upon. For some it may be learning to control their anger, for others it may be learning more about our beautiful Jewish way of life. Still for others, it may mean seeking how to improve our interpersonal relationships with the speech we use. The power of speech is by far the most powerful weapon in the human arsenal. Using our precious gift coupled with our intellect can secure a better tomorrow for each and every one of us.

A fabulous book… highly recommended, as we approach the New Year is “Chofetz Chaim: A Lesson A Day.” Based on the writings of one of the greatest Torah luminaries of the 19th and 20th centuries, it addresses the laws that pertain to proper speech. Included in the introduction is a prayer for Divine Assistance in Matters of Speech. The abbreviated form of the prayer reads as follows:

“Master of the Universe, may it be Your will, Compassionate and Gracious G–d, that You grant me the merit today and every day to guard my mouth and tongue from speaking loshon hora (evil talk), and rechilus (gossip)… to speak ill even of an individual, and certainly not of the entire Jewish people or a portion of it. May I be zealous not to complain about the ways of the Holy One… not to speak words of falsehood, flattery, strife, anger, arrogance, hurt, embarrassment, mockery, and all other forbidden forms of speech. Grant me the merit to speak only that which is necessary for my physical and spiritual well-being, and may all my deeds and words be for the sake of Heaven.”

A powerful prayer indeed. What better way to begin the New Year than to focus energy on speaking properly to our loved ones, co-workers, friends, and strangers. In doing so, we will be able to positively touch the lives of so many people.

May we all merit a sweet, healthy, happy and prosperous New Year and everlasting peace for the people of Israel and all of humankind, Amen.

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