Liberate Yourself and Renew Your Life

Discover Your True Self

By Rabbi Brad Hirschfield

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, begins at sundown on September 8^th. And while it marks the turn of Jewish calendar year 5770 to 5771, it also celebrates the fundamental human need for liberation, return and renewal.

The Jewish holidays, especially Rosh Hashanah, are not only for Jews. In fact, they celebrate the most basic human quest – the quest to make our lives richer, happier and more productive.

So this Rosh Hashanah, whoever you are, and wherever you may be, take advantage of one ancient tradition’s ideas and practices to relocate the person you most want to be and enjoy the renewal and liberation that come from finding that person once again. Here’s how.

Rabbi Brad Hirschfield is the President of CLAL, The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership. He blogs on 'Windows & Doors' for Beliefnet.