Israeli Official Seeks Release From Vows to Live More Authentically
As Yom Kippur approaches, attorney Royi Aviksis, head of the Department for Zionist Jewish Identity at the World Zionist Organization and deputy chairman of KKL-JNF, reflects on personal vows he wishes to annul. These are not spoken promises, but rather unspoken agreements about how to live, which he has rigorously kept. Aviksis seeks release from the vow to 'get it all done,' acknowledging a persistent belief that there's always room for one more email or task, often at the expense of punctuality and respecting others' time. He realizes that sometimes the most important thing to accomplish is simply arriving on time.
He also wishes to annul the vow to find shortcuts to health. Aviksis admits to constantly searching for a quick fix, like a ten-minute workout or a specific food, rather than embracing the fundamental principles of good sleep, reasonable eating, and physical activity. He notes his mind is more eager for novelty than his body.
Furthermore, Aviksis wants to release himself from the vow as a father to react to everything immediately. He describes a tendency towards instant educational responses, like anger or new rules, that often fade quickly. He desires more consistency and action based on deeply held beliefs, recognizing that children learn more from observation than from pronouncements.
Aviksis also seeks to annul the vow to solve problems. He confesses to immediately jumping to solutions when presented with an issue, rather than simply listening empathetically. He wants to remember that sometimes people just need to be heard and accompanied through their difficulties before a solution is sought.
Finally, he wishes to break free from living within his own social media feed. Aviksis observes how algorithms curate content to reinforce his existing views. He proposes a new Jewish custom: intentionally viewing the feed of someone with opposing views, not to argue, but to challenge the algorithm and perhaps himself. He concludes by expressing a desire for the Jewish people to connect through shared creation, culture, learning, joy, and a common future, rather than solely through shared pain and external threats, suggesting that sometimes, to start a new year, one needs to release rather than take on more.
