Tonight there is a serious yetzer (inclination) to go out clubbing, to go out to all the parties, to chase after the places filled with celebration for the new gregorian year. However, instead of explaining the wrongdoings behind those parties and events, it is rather more important and attractive to delve into the depth behind the concept of ‘completing’ the year.
What is the difference between Jews and non-Jews in regards
to finishing the year? We celebrate (Rosh HaShanah) by having a feast with the entire family,
singing songs, praying from the depths of our hearts so the next year will be
spiritually, physically and financially successful, we tend to ponder about our
actions from the past to change our ways for the future, etc.
The question is why do we do what we do and why do most
non-Jews do what they do for their new year? The non Jewish people celebrate
that they ended another year. Maybe they think about their past year to improve
their future or maybe they do not, but the point is that Jews aim to excel in
their middot (characteristics) and improve their actions between man and their
actions between themselves and G-d for the upcoming year. Some of the important values that the
American people care about (from Consumer Behavior class at Baruch College) are
efficiency, athleticism, weight loss, health and wealth. Where in these values
is there room for caring about another individual or people outside the
immediate family?
The point is that the Jewish people are always aiming at
using their time for the best things. We try to appreciate time, we try to
appreciate every day of our lives, we see a year as 365 opportunities to excel,
prosper and progress. Judaism is about taking the best of life to glue
ourselves to Hashem, not to the physical desires of the world.
Is tonight just another night or is tonight a night to
celebrate a non Jewish holiday?
Judaism=Think.
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