* Translated by Janine Muller Sherr
Chodesh Tov. Today is the first day of Elul, the month dedicated to mercy and forgiveness and to improving our ways.
I suggested several days ago in this column that over the next 40 days, between now and Yom Kippur, you decide upon a positive action you would like to embrace, and I received so many moving answers from you.
I noticed that your resolutions can be divided into two categories. Some of you decided to tackle lofty, far-reaching goals, such as, “to honor my parents,” “not to yell at the kids,” “to pray with deeper intent,” and “to stop my addiction to social media.”
On the other hand, some of you chose more modest goals that were more focused and specific. For example, you said, “to recite three chapters of Tehllim (Psalms) each day,” or “to phone my grandmother every Friday before Shabbat, or “to recite Modeh Ani when I wake up in the morning,” or “to erase the news apps from my cell phone.”
It's wonderful to have dreams and aspirations, but in order to fulfill them it is preferable to decide on one specific goal - to take on one small act whose success is measurable and that we are able to sustain over time.
In order to achieve great dreams, we must begin with small steps, with practical ideas. I urge you to take advantage of this special period dedicated to repentance and improvement by taking upon yourself one small change that you are able to actualize immediately, beginning today.
May we be blessed with a good month filled with positive change.
