Are resolutions a Jewish concept?

Answered by
Rabbi Victor S. Appell

It is always appropriate to commit to resolutions that will improve our lives, the lives of those around us, and the larger world. Jews traditionally engage in this at Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur. We are urged to take stock of our lives and to commit to acts of tikkun olam, repairing the world.

The start of the secular new year is commonly a time for making resolutions for individual betterment in the year to come. It is an opportunity to review those resolutions made during the High Holidays and recommit to them. Here are six timeless Jewish resolutions for the secular new year.