Jewish New Year's Resolutions

Happy Rosh Hashanah, GOLDA gang! 

Today is extra special for me: It’s my 38th birthday. How lucky am I that my birthday falls during High Holiday season—the most magical time of year?! And especially this year, when tonight we collectively welcome the new year and usher in a new beginning. 

I’ve had a big year. I left my professional home of more than a decade, started GOLDA, had a baby, and worked hard to figure out what I want to build and who I want to be. I am so excited for what 5786 holds—for GOLDA, for me, and for all of us.  

With Rosh Hashanah starting this evening, I thought I’d crib one of the other New Year traditions: resolutions. The High Holidays offer us a reset, a refresh, and a restart, so it’s fitting that we take a little time to think about what we’re going to do, or do differently, this coming year. 

I asked a few friends of GOLDA for their Jewish New Year’s Resolutions. From Jill Kargman tuning out the noise, to vows to be more present, read more Jewish books, and host more Shabbats. Some are humorous and some are heartfelt, but there’s a lot to get you inspired. Read on and reply to let us know what your 5786 resolutions are.

“This year, I resolve to slow down, be more present, and finally learn to play pickleball—because inner peace is great, but so is hitting things with a paddle 😉.”

—Ariel Stein, aka @arielloves 

Check out Ariel’s High Holiday guide for Jewish families, full of craft ideas, recipes, and more.

“My resolution is to host as many Shabbats as I possibly can this year and to make sure I share the meal with someone outside of the Jewish community too!”

—Rachel Simons, Seed + Mill

“My New Year’s resolution is to trust my gut instead of laughing it off as Jewish neurosis. The only reason I’m alive today is because my ancestors followed their intuition and got out of Europe. Also I want to take my dog on longer walks.”

—Amelia Adams, aka @neuroticjewishgay 

“To break my personal record of sticking with Pilates for more than three months, b’ezrat Hashem!”

—Iddo Geffen, author

“My New Year’s resolution is to go on a News Diet—no deep dives into stories that disturb me or reading evil comments from Jew-haters!” 

—Jill Kargman, “Odd Mom Out” creator and star

“To go even deeper into the words of Hashem, and to be even more okay tuning out all the shmucks.”

—Joel Mesler, artist

“My New Year's resolution is to be as in touch with my free spirit inner child as possible… the curiosity, joy, play, and creativity. There's so much good to be found in connecting with that hopefulness, enthusiasm, and sense of wonder.”

—Elisa Solomon, jewelry designer

Check out Elisa’s new apple charm, perfect for the High Holidays.

“To be direct with my intentions on a loving partnership to make a family (but also pay on the first date of course).”

—Rami Even-Esh, aka Kosha Dillz 

“This year I will be working on being deeply present with those I love; more moments in person to share and teach; more clarity in bringing the beauty, wisdom, and inspiration of Jewish life to the world; strengthening my faith and connection with Hashem.” 

—Micaela Ezra, AHYIN judaica

“Read more Jewish books!” 

—Naomi Firestone-Teeter, Jewish Book Council

Good news: Nu Reads, the Jewish Book Council’s newly launched book subscription series, has you covered.

“My Rosh Hashanah resolution is to help our Jewish community—and, truthfully, myself—find clarity in these challenging times by learning from different voices. Together, I hope we can begin to answer the questions: Who are we, and what have we been called to do?”

—Margarita Lyadova, People Jew Wanna Know podcast 

Check out episodes featuring Sami Steigmann, Samuel J. Hyde, Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, and—why not—my appearance on the show.

“NEW YEAR, TIME TO LOCK THE HECK IN.”

—Eitan Levine, aka @eitanthegoalie

GOLDA may earn a commission from any purchases made through links in this article.

Wishing you all a peaceful, inspiring new year. Thank you for being part of the GOLDA fam—we’re excited to bring you a whole lot more in 5786!

Stay GOLDA,

Stephanie