Setting goals and resolutions for the year ahead is a good thing to do. After all, anything that moves us forward and helps us improve our lives can only be considered positive.
Yet how do we determine what our goals and aspirations ought to be?
In this week’s Parsha we read of our Patriarch Jacob who gathers his family around his bed just before he passes. He has knowledge and advice that he wishes to impart before he leaves this world —and a specific blessing for each of them.
The Torah explicitly tells us that “And this is what their father spoke to them and he blessed them “each” whom according to his blessing he blessed them.
Jacob knew the essence and soul of each of his children. He imparted to them their specific “missions” each according to their essential talents and their specific genre.
Why the need?
Surprisingly, studies show that only low double digits of people are self aware despite a way higher percentage of people who feel that they are. Quite the disparity between the perceived and the reality!
Although this may be shocking at first glance, it really ought not come as a surprise. After all, ancient wisdom tells us that one should never make a decision about themselves solely by using their own rationale — for a person is too close to themselves to be objective.
Ancient wisdom also imparts that one should do all in their power to have a good friend. Someone they can discuss things with. An objective individual that both cares for them yet can see the objective reality without the biases and blind spots that invariable exist internally. Sometimes it’s a friend, sometimes it’s a spouse — in our Parsha it’s our Patriarch Yaakov who not only speaks to his children. He paves the way for us all giving us insight and direction towards which to aspire.
At the end of the day, a positive resolution should have less to do with what we want to do and more to do with what we are here to do. A resolution that maximizes our potential helping us to actualize and fulfill our unique mission — the intention of which we are here on planet earth.
It’s exciting to embark on a new calendar year with the sky as the limit. Bringing more Gd consciousness, Torah and Mitzvahs into our lives will ensure that the year ahead is full of meaning, joy & happiness which of course all derives from loving our purpose.
Happy New Year!
With best wishes for a Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Yehuda & Dina Kantor