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From the Bimah
February 2008

As 2008 is now upon us, here are 18 ways you can make the year better for yourself and those around you. Every marker of time can teach a lesson and serve as a reminder of life's importance. Think of time not just as a measurement, but as an inspiration to live more fully, more morally, more godly. 1) Get happy. If for nothing else you'll live longer. Whether that's true or not, I think you'll agree, most of us would prefer a shorter happy life to a long, unhappy one. The operative here is YOU get happy. Don't simply wait for happiness to arrive at your door-step.

2) Express gratitude. Either write it down, or verbalize it. At its most basic level, gratitude is appreciation articulated. Appreciation and our willingness to convey it brings to life our ageless tradition of sensing awe and giving praise.

3) Divorce-proof your marriage. Though Jews do not marry: until death do us part, marriages need constant attention. I liken marriage to a commercial jet without auto-pilot. It constantly needs adjustment without being overbearing. Begin by speaking softly and respectfully to each other.

4) Write a family cookbook. Food to us goes beyond sustenance; we eat to be social and as an expression of friendship and love. So many of our memories are formed around a dinner table; so many of us speak of a parent's or relative's unduplicated delicious cooking. Write them down; they help define you and they help define your family.

5) Drive with greater care. Everyone is so busy and for whatever reason thinks his or her appointment is more important than the next person. Or, somehow there is a notion that the rules of the road apply to someone else and don't apply to you!

6) Lend a hand to our troops. Our soldiers are, for the most part, idealistic and deeply loyal to our country. Acknowledge them and appreciate their service.

7) Give Tzedakkah to a Jewish cause. Jews are extremely generous to every organization except Jewish ones. Our task as Jews is not near complete. Jewish organizations cannot exist without help from fellow Jews. Incidentally, February 10th is Super Sunday. When a volunteer from the Federation calls your home, answer the call and respond generously.

8) Take care of your health. Our bodies are on loan to us from God. Stop putting off your annual doctor's exam. Lose unnecessary weight and rid yourself of habits that prevent, or inhibit you from living more healthy.

9) Forgive. Where possible forgive those that have hurt you. It's not possible in all cases, and one could argue under certain circumstances if it's even prudent. Most mishaps in life, however, are forgivable. Making peace is a holy act; one of the most holy.

10) Take a road trip with your family and turn off the iPod and computer and DVD. Driving a considerable distance with your family without the distraction of devices that draw you in and away from others is a pleasure. Aside from admiring the scenery, you have a greater likelihood of actually talking to one another.

11) Go tech free for one day each week. That is the beauty of Shabbat. If for nothing else it gives you perspective. The BlackBerry, the cell phone, the laptop - all amazing inventions. But they exist for your benefit. You control, and limit them - not the other way around.

12) Vote. No matter where you stand politically, vote. Let me challenge you away from being "knee-jerk" when deciding who to vote for. We become so dismissive of one another, or someone else's political party. Challenge your own way of thinking; be open to other possibilities be they right or left.

13) Live lighter by removing the clutter from your life. How many of us have things we don't use, and don't need? You'll feel lighter and become more appreciative of what you have. Give things away; live more efficiently.

14) Organize your photos. Transfer your home movies to DVDs. Upload your family photos by scanning them onto your computer and then copy them. In the unfortunate event of having to leave our homes due to an emergency, most of us would grab photos and home videos - they are priceless.

15) Read. Buy or borrow books. Read good newspaper articles. Turn off the T.V. Goggle is a good place to start, but go beyond the articles listed by Wikipedia.

16) Ask yourself is the person you're speaking to is the Messiah? I have always felt praying for the Messiah is a huge religious cop-out. Should the Messiah come what would he say that hasn't been told to us before? You shouldn't gossip, steal, manipulate, treat others like objects, and be self-centered? If you treat, or at least entertain the idea, the person you're speaking to might be the Messiah, presumably your actions will follow suit. If such an approach is considered, and should the Messiah come, his impact on the world, and his message to it, will be virtually irrelevant, if not redundant.

17) Write an ethical will. A legal will is one thing; an ethical will goes beyond and can touch your soul. Ask yourself: What animates your life and for what do you care to be remembered? What is important to you and what is it you hope the next generation will carry forward the result of your vision and drive?

18) Pray. Prayer is not a device to tell God how wonderful He is. The God of Israel is not an insecure deity that creates humans in order to offer Him praise. Pray because when done properly, prayer keeps you in touch with your inner soul. Pray because prayer gives perspective and hope; it adds humility and thereby heightens one's appreciation for life.

These are just 18 ways to make for a better 2008. Are there more? You bet. Any one of them, if applied, will increase your joy and fulfillment in the months and years ahead - you take it from here. I wish you a Happy and wholesome secular New Year

Rabbi Michael Gotlieb