A Satisfaction Survey for the Jewish New Year
I’m waiting for it
– the next inevitable satisfaction survey from a company or business that asks:
“How are we doing? What do you like about us? How have we changed your life?”
Just last week, I received
surveys from a national department store chain and the service department from
my car dealership. After a recent hotel
stay, I received the company’s how-did-we-do e-mail. Even if these businesses
aren’t completely altruistic in their motives to improve customer service and
satisfaction, there is something empowering about being asked for my opinion.
There’s something Jewish about it, too. In Pirkei Avot, Rabbi Zoma
teaches that the wise person is one who learns from everyone.
As we turn to the
start of a new Jewish year, perhaps we can be inspired by the many surveys in
our inboxes – and reflect upon and evaluate something important and timely: our
spiritual lives. The Hebrew month of Elul, which precedes Tishrei,
the month overflowing with Jewish holidays, including Rosh HaShanah, Yom
Kippur, Sukkot, and Simchat Torah, encourages us to make time
for daily moments of reflection in preparation for the non-stop flurry of
festive and solemn days.
In some
communities, the shofar is blown each day to awaken our spirits and help us
work to become the highest possible versions of ourselves. What kind of people
have we been during the last year? How generous were we with our time, our
kindness, and our charitable contributions? Have we been emotionally sleepwalking,
merely trying to get through each day intact, or have we squeezed in bits of
growth and learning despite our endless to-do lists? If we lecture our children
about the importance of leaving a room in better condition than when they found
it, are we honoring that goal by leaving the places we visit enriched and
enhanced by our having been there? In the coming year, how can we do better for
our world, our communities, our families, our friends, all those we love, and
ourselves?
Before completing
another satisfaction survey for that rental car or the microwave repair job,
think about diverting some of your energy and judgment into evaluating your own
“company.” By taking a personal inventory of our satisfaction with ourselves
and our actions, there’s a chance that, collectively, we might all do better.
According to
legend, G-d takes a survey of our good and negative attributes at this very
season. If we conduct our own year-end review and make plans to improve,
perhaps the next survey of our own actions, integrity, and goodness will
include not only higher ratings, but also deeper satisfaction, meaning, and
fulfillment.
Reflect on three
things: Know what is above you –a
seeing eye, a hearing ear,
and all your deeds
recorded in a book. ~ Rabbi Judah the Prince (Pirkei Avot 2:1)
Rabbi Stuart Paris, HaKohen
We thank you in advance for your help and generosity.
