A Fresh Start: Jewish Lessons for the Secular New Year

I recently heard someone joke about the upcoming secular New Year: What’s the difference between the secular New Year and the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah? On the secular New Year, we have the ball drop in Times Square. On Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, we have the matzah ball drop into our chicken soup!

The joke elicited a laugh from those of us gathered together that day. Indeed, there are many differences to how we usher in the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, and the secular New Year, beyond the ball drop! And, yet, there are also many similarities and connections between the two holidays that we can and should consider. Both the Jewish New Year and the secular New Year are times of transition and possibility that offer us an opportunity for self-reflection and hope.

Here are my top five Jewish values that we might take with us into the secular New Year 2025!

1. Hakarat HaTov (Gratitude)

Judaism emphasizes the importance of recognizing and expressing gratitude. The daily practice of saying blessings helps us cultivate appreciation for the world and the people around us. Each and every morning we wake we have the opportunity to say Modeh/Modah/Modet Ani L’fanecha Adonai…I give thanks before You, Sovereign who lives and who endures, because you have renewed my breath of life, with kindness. How abundant is your faithful care!

Start this New Year by identifying the blessings in your life and expressing gratitude for them. This is a great time to reach out to those you consider blessings in your life and tell them directly just how much they mean to you!

2. Tikkun Olam (Repairing the world around us)

The secular New Year, like the Jewish New Year, is an opportunity to recommit to making a difference in the world. Whether through acts of kindness, tzedakah, or advocacy, the Jewish value of tikkun olam reminds us of our responsibility to contribute positively to society. This month our teens will be heading to Washington, DC, to advocate for our Reform Jewish values on Capitol Hill. You, too, can find your own way to make a difference in the world! Get involved in repairing the world through Temple Emanuel by feeding the hungry with Brotherhood at Greensboro Urban Ministries, joining the Social Action Committee, or participating in Yom Tikkun Olam this spring. Consider setting a goal for yourself for how you can engage in social justice and acts of chesed, lovingkindness, in the year ahead.

3. Shmirat Lashon (Guarding our speech)

Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me is one of the biggest lies of our youth. Our words matter. And more than that, the way we speak matters. The Jewish value of shmirat lashon reminds us to be mindful of how we speak, avoiding gossip and harmful words. The New Year invites us to communicate with integrity and kindness. We can take this opportunity to reflect on how our words impact others (and ourselves!) and strive to make our speech more positive and uplifting.

4. Simcha (Joy)

Judaism teaches us the importance of finding joy in everyday life, even as we know things in our lives and world are so difficult right now. We continue to lift our kiddush cups filled with the sweet juice or wine of Shabbat and pray for continued goodness for the Jewish community and the entire world. As we enter a New Year, we can strive to balance responsibilities with moments of celebration and happiness. The start of the secular New Year is a great time to identify what brings you joy and make time for it in your life and do more of it in the year ahead!

5. Kavanah (Setting our intention)

Jewish practice often emphasizes kavanah, the intentionality behind our actions. The secular New Year provides a chance to set clear intentions for how we want to live, work, and connect. We can use this moment to reflect back on Rosh Hashanah to evaluate our intentions and recommit to living in the year ahead in a way that aligns with our values.

Incorporating these Jewish values into our secular New Years reflections can infuse the secular holiday with deeper meaning and purpose. How might you weave these lessons into our own celebration or share them with others?

Wishing you a happy and healthy secular New Year 2025!

Rabbi Amy Hertz

Rabbi Educator