That time of year

Around this time of year, all employees at my company are required to complete an annual performance review. My manager asks me to write up a self-review first. She then reviews it, writes her own review, and then we have a meeting to discuss the past year and plans for the coming year.

I was writing my review the other day and was thinking the obvious thought: Rosh HaShanah is almost the same thing! We do our cheshbon hanefesh of the past year, are judged for our actions, and Hashem decides what we need for the coming year.

I have a good relationship with my manager. We talk sometimes about things other than work. We tend to get along well. But when it comes to the review process, there’s still some nervousness. This isn’t a time for being friendly and joking around. This is serious business.

Jews have a special relationship with Hashem. We love Him, and He loves us. We can talk to Him whenever we want – He has the ultimate open-door policy! But on the Yomim Noraim, we need to feel the fear and nervousness. This isn’t a time for fooling around. This is life and death we’re talking about!

We don’t see Hashem openly in front of us like we may see a manager at the office. But we know He’ll be judging us over the next few days. Relating it to my annual review at the office is just a small thing which helps me get in the proper mind frame, so I figured I’d share.