Hi everyone!
Long time no write :) I know it’s been a while since I’ve posted and I feel bad about that, so I kept my eyes open for a really good vort (word, literally) on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, that I could share with you. (I moved to New York  since my last post, hence life has been a little busy!)
Not surprisingly, the most moving idea I’ve heard leading up to this Rosh Hashanah originated from one of my neighbors in Milwaukee. Rabbi David Begoun wrote this incredible article, published on aish.com. Even though I’m going to pull an idea from there on which I’m basing part of this dvar Torah, I highly recommend that you go over to Aish and read it in Rabbi Begoun’s original, inspiring, thought-provoking words.
We know that the theme of the Yomim Noraim, the High Holy Days, is Teshuva, Tefillah, and Tzedakah – repentance, prayer, and charity. These three actions lead to the removal of the bad decree, and if done properly, they will hopefully assure us a spot in the Book of Life for the year to come.
This seems to be the attitude with which many of us come into these holidays: what can I get out of Hashem? What do I need to do so He’ll give me what I want this year?
What if we approach Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur this year with a different perspective?

Rosh Hashanah

To paraphrase President JFK, “Ask not what Hashem can do for you, but what you can do for Hashem.”

I don’t mean to say that Hashem needs anything from us. He doesn’t. Hashem is perfect and everything He does is perfect; He doesn’t need my help to run the world.

However, on Rosh Hashanah Hashem decides the fate of humanity for the coming year. How many will live, how many will die. How many will be born. Who will be sick, who will heal. Who will win the lottery, and who will go bankrupt. Which countries will lead, and which ones will collapse. He decides who will get into car accidents, and who will miraculously survive life–threatening storms. He writes the headlines of every daily newspaper, worldwide… On Rosh Hashanah.

In case you didn’t get the idea, Hashem decides every detail of everyone’s lives for the coming year, from the largest to the most minute. When? Thursday and Friday of this week. Rosh Hashanah.

So instead of coming to Hashem, like so many other people, with a “honey do” list, what if you come with a business plan? Yes, you read that right.

It’s well known that when you’re working for the company, all expenses of your business trip are paid. So why not make your life into a business trip, with Hashem as your boss?

Instead of asking Hashem for new clothing, a new sister, a healthy year, or a trip to Israel, think of why it’s in the best interest of the Jewish people and your service of Hashem to have those things. If you have a healthy year, you’ll be able to serve Hashem with all of your talents and abilities that He gave you. New clothing can inspire self confidence and the motivation you need to try new things and befriend new people who can benefit from your kindness.

I don’t need to do the thinking for you… You know what you need to continue to accomplish Hashem’s mission for you this year.

Decide what role you want to offer to play in Hashem’s business, and come up with a plan.

This Rosh Hashanah, present Hashem with a goal and a list of materials you think you need to accomplish it. (It doesn’t hurt to thank Him for the materials you already have in your toolkit that are helping you reach toward fulfilling your potential!) Then ask Hashem to give His blessing and support to your endeavors.

Hatzlacha rabba (good luck) on your business plan. I hope it’s successful!

Wishing all of our readers and supporters a Ksiva V’Chasima Tova (a good writing and sealing) and a sweet, happy and healthy New Year of success and peace. 5775 in Yerushalayim!!

Listening to “Ashrei Mi” on Michoel Pruzansky’s awesome newest album, Pruz Control! I love this album and highly recommend it!