Rosh Hashanah forces us to define the meaning of life. Drawing on Yaakov Avinu’s words to Pharaoh, this piece explains the difference between merely existing and truly living. Life, in the Torah sense, is growth, effort, and becoming greater. On Rosh Hashanah we receive what we ask for: not just health and survival, but the opportunity to grow, to choose well, and to live a meaningful life. The sweetness we pray for is not ease, but growth without unnecessary pain.

personal growthmeaning in life