As we look to the start of the Jewish New year 5780, we always ask ourselves "How can we change for the better?" It's not a coincidence that in Hebrew, the word for the holiday-Rosh Hashanah-shares the same root for the word meaning "to change." Yet, this annual ritual, which focuses us to examine ways to change, confronts the reality that we know how hard it is to do so. So, here are a few tips to guide you to a year of renewal:

• Don't be motivated by negative emotions like shame, fear, or guilt; find the positive reasons to change

• Start small. Behavior change is a big deal, and it's hard to take all of it on at once. Start somewhere with a measurable action. One step at a time.

• Changing too many things at once won't work. Whatever change you focus on requires attention, self-control and motivation, and we don't have enough in our gas tank to sustain multiple efforts.

• Failing is actually part of the process. Try to see failure as a step, not the end of the process

• Change without commitment can't work

• Don't forget your support system. We all need encouragement and support!

Organizations are like people. We look at the opportunities for change, and we examine whether the change is coming from within, or driven by external realities. With this our 10th anniversary at the Rosen JCC, we too are holding a mirror up to ourselves, and looking for ways to improve, and most importantly, ways to do more for the community. We are re-defining ourselves as a "Town Square," with a vision to provide programs and services to the larger community. We aspire to equip individuals and families with the tools and resources to adapt to the everyday challenges of the life cycle. These programs will be offered to the broader community, and not just to our membership. Membership is a transaction, for the purchase of a program, i.e., an early childhood school program, or the use of a fitness center. We do not want to be defined solely by these programs. Rather, we view programs as portals and conduits for something far greater-building community. We will develop enduring relationships with our neighbors, and through community, model the value of both getting something and in giving back. We seek to shape the ever-growing SW Orlando community and responding to what people need to be the best version of themselves.

"We can't change the direction of the wind, but we can adjust our sails to always reach our destination."

Shanah Tovah- A Happy New Year to our friends and neighbors

Dr. Reuben Romirowsky

CEO, Rosen JCC