Rosh Hashanah Message: Allen H. Lipis

For this New Year, we all have an opportunity to see ourselves for the better, to make a new beginning, to improve our strengths and talents. The Baal Shem Tov said, “The world is but a mirror. Inasmuch as we are unlikely to recognize our own character defects, G-d allows us to see them in others. When we see faults in others, we should be aware that it is our own reflection that we see, and that these defects are really our own.”

The way a person sees himself is how he believes others see him. Seeing what you do as a success can confirm how important you are to your world, and to the people around you. Just remember, even the little things in your life can be viewed as successes, and as reinforcement that you should believe in yourself and you have something special to contribute to this world. Many years ago when my daughter was in college I wrote her to the following:
• You might not reach your goals. Give it the best you have got anyway.
• You may love someone and get hurt. Love them anyway.
• You may build and build and have it destroyed in an instant. Build anyway.
• You may feel unfulfilled and not know how to change that. Keep trying.
• You may care so very much and not see the caring in return. Keep caring.

May you have the courage to do all of the things you want to do this year. Make it your best year ever.

Allen H. Lipis is a writer for the Atlanta Jewish Times.