As Rosh Hashana (the Jewish new year) draws to a close the start of a time of reflection begins in earnest. Over the next week (culminating with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement) Jews across the world will be analyzing their deeds, thinking of wrongs they have caused, and working to repair damage that they have done. I usually use this time to critically reflect on my practices as a human being and decide on actions I want to take in the future that will make the world better. It may sound like a harsh proposition but much like the weekend allows us to take a break from the "daily grind," these days provide some with a chance to really wonder if our path in life is what we want it to be.

Obviously a part of my reflection relates to what I do and see on a daily basis in my school. It relates to what I read in the newspaper about education policy. It relates to what I hear about new evaluation systems that might deem me an unsatisfactory teacher if I cannot get my students to increase their test scores by certain percentages. All these ideas swirl in my head until I get dizzy with them.

One aspect of life I always return my thoughts to is that human beings are inherently flawed creatures and that we need to remember that when interacting with each other. If we demand so highly of one another and get completely disappointed to the point of isolation when we don't measure up, we will not survive the way I think we want to. On the other hand, if we don't demand highly enough, we will slowly lose ourselves to the entropy of the universe.

The picture I am painting may seem bleek but I choose to think of it as an opportunity to repair what needs fixing; to collaborate on projects that make a difference; and to remind myself that if I don't enjoy what I am doing, chances are the people I am working with (be they fellow staff, students, parents, and others) probably aren't either. If more people had that perspective I truly believe fewer problems would exist.

Shana tova u'metukah (have a sweet and happy new year)