The Right Mindset for Rosh Hashana

This is perhaps the most impactful thing I can tell you to do for Rosh Hashana...

I once heard a Rosh Hashana talk by my Rebbetzin and felt incredibly inspired.

She made a point to tell us not to focus on asking for forgiveness from God or asking for what we need when praying on Rosh Hashana--that's for Yom Kippur. Rather, she said, focus on crowning Hashem as YOUR king! THAT is the REAL focus of Rosh Hashana!

Wow. This was transformational for me. But also scary.

Not to ask? That means if I put all my focus on Him, and not on myself, then I have to fully trust that my needs will get taken care of...but what if they don't? Letting go is so hard...but how else can I actively convey my trust in Him if not by letting go? It's easier when you know the reason you are letting go...

I am letting go in order to crown Him as King because I wish to connect to Him. I am not me and I cannot achieve my purpose-- without my connection to, and relationships with, Him.

When I focused only on God on Rosh Hashana; praising Him for literally every little and BIG thing in my life...I was able to crown Him with my deep gratitude. And that’s when suddenly, a question occurred to me...

"God, What do YOU need of ME?"

Asking this question made a deep impact on me. Because when I changed the focus to what He needed from me instead of what I needed from Him, I felt empowered and gained instant clarity. I could acquire the wisdom I so much craved. There was also no need for guilt for past mistakes. All I had to do was move forward because now I had a new focus: I know who I am living for--for Him. Through my thoughts, speech and action I develop a direct connection to Him. And connection is what a relationship is built on.

Throughout the year, when I lost my way or focus, all I needed to do to get back on track was to ask, "What does God need of me?" Sometimes the answer was simple, other times it required more thought and inquiry. I fell more times than I care to count! But each time, I managed to stand back up and feel more empowered because I knew I was needed for more than just myself--I was needed for Him.

Every one has a different way to get to teshuva. For me, this two step process works: 1. Recognizing fully that God is my King and feeling humbled by all the blessings He bestows upon me. This gratitude then shifts me naturally to step 2. Asking God what He needs from me. Fulfilling His will is how I connect directly to God, and create a living relationship with him.

The need for connection with God is universal and is cultivated through our positive thoughts, speech and actions.

For this week, notice the areas in your life where issues come up, where God is showing you that He needs you--these are the areas you can choose to improve on in very small, manageable ways.

Remember all the good you accomplished last year and ask yourself how you can now apply those capabilities to the areas you need to improve on.

What is our reward for doing this? A life of deep meaning...kedusha (Holiness)...direction...and passion.

YES, you can do this!! You were created for it.

Besides, to feel needed is the best feeling of all....

K'tiva V'Chatima Tova!!