Dvar Torah Vayiggash “New Year”

Written by Rabbi Nicola Feuchtwang — 3 January 2025

I heard something on the radio this week which made me laugh – and then made me reflect more seriously.  One of the presenters, a man in his fifties, said that he had been making the same New Year’s Resolution, every year for 50 years, (in other words, since he was 4) – but 2024 was the first time he had actually succeeded in keeping to it for the whole year:  he had stopped chewing his nails!

 

The Jewish time for looking back at the past year is supposed to be the run-up to the High Holydays – yet inevitably we are influenced by the environment in which we live – and it’s hard to resist the temptation to make ‘New Year’s Resolutions’ at the beginning of January.

For example:

• I will go to the gym more often
• I will be kinder to my in-laws / stop gossiping …
• I’m giving up smoking / sugar / chocolate / alcohol / you name it….
• I will finish writing my sermon before Shabbat!
• And so on….both the personal undertakings, and those that actually have an impact on those around us.

 

What should you do when circumstances, or just a weak will, mean that within days, if not hours, you have lost your resolve and said something bitchy: or given in to the craving: or allowed yourself to be distracted again and again…?

 

This week’s sidra, Vayiggash, is part of the Joseph story – and should give us hope that people really can change.

Joseph :  the annoying, arrogant youth who becomes a skilful manager

Judah:  who despite a tragic personal life, becomes the brother who can step up and take responsibility

 

It isn’t easy – but we shouldn’t  give up making that resolution yet again.

Maybe this time it will last days rather than hours, months rather than weeks.

 

Maybe in 2025 – if Aled can stop biting his nails after 50 years – you and I can each take a step closer towards being the person we would like to be.

Shabbat Shalom.