The word "Good" carries with it a more productive connotation than the word "Happy." One feels good as a result of a successful deed. It represents a sense of satisfaction that is much deeper than just happiness. Even when the heaven and earth were created, after each creation "God saw that it was good." At one point, he even says "It was very good," but the word "Happiness" is not mentioned. So through the years when we wish "Shana Tova," we really mean a successful year. We might add "Shana Poriah" (a productive year), or even "Shana Metukah" (a sweet year), but it is clear that as Jews, we have to work harder on our feelings of national happiness.

In Pirkei Avot, our sages taught us, "It is not up to you to complete the work but neither are you at liberty to desist from it," namely, each individual and each generation should contribute to the Jewish tradition of working hard collectively, fighting for our national existence, repairing the world, and helping one another. Even if we will not complete the job, the deeds by themselves are our rewards. Recently, it has become very common to "accuse" the young generation of being too individualistic, for thinking too much about their personal happiness, and for not following the Jewish tradition of "Klal Yisrael" (mutual responsibility). While it might be true statistically, at the same time I discover more and more Israeli youngsters who are exactly the opposite.

Take for example the growing phenomenon of "Shnat Sherut" (a year of service). Hundreds of Israeli kids, after finishing their high school studies and before beginning their compulsory army service, choose to spend an additional year serving the society. They volunteer in development towns, create youth movements, work with children at risk, help needy populations, assist senior citizens, teach, tutor, etc. In every other country, kids that age begin their academic studies and build their professional careers. In Israel, they have to serve in the army for few years and only then start thinking about their personal and professional development. If they add that time to an additional year of service, they might be 23- 25 when they start acting for themselves. That's why it is so highly appreciated that so many of our youngsters are now choosing the "Shnat Sherut."

I would like to try to relate to it through the eyes and personal experience of one of our best Rishonim, Na'ama Cohen, who spent last year in MetroWest. Only a little more than a year ago, Na'ama was a senior in the MetroWest High School in Ra'anana. Within a year, she left her old world, friends, family, and country to serve an unknown Jewish community in New Jersey and then returned home to serve in Israel. This time it was to another entirely new world called the army. In a year's time, Na'ama had the amazing privilege to serve her nation in multiple, unique ways. For sure, it is a difficult task for an 18 year old kid; I am not sure if she was happy during the entire year — probably not. But she was highly satisfied and rewarded. It was not necessarily a Happy Year but it was a Good Year. Shana Tova for Na'ama and for the Jewish people to have one another.

Here is short quote from Na'ama's MW farewell speech:

"Two months ago I was working as usual from 8AM to 10PM; a week ago I was working like crazy to get all camp things done, next week I am home in Israel, a few days later I am already in the army..... There must be another way to measure time.... How could it be that a year ago I didn't know all these people I now know? How could it be that a year ago I didn't really know what it means to be Jewish? How could it be that a year ago I didn't know this whole new branch of my family? ... I have learned the meaning of this vague definition- being Jewish. What seems so obvious in Israel becomes so relevant here. I have learned that Judaism is not just religion. It is tradition, history, and roots. It is a source to grow from. It is a really one big family filled with warm Jewish mothers that surround us with love and unity. It is such an amazing force that can never be defeated."

Here is a short quote from Na'ama's letter from her army base:

"It is so hard for me to describe the extreme transition that I have made. Only 4 days after leaving N.J, my family, friends and experiences, practically carrying my life in a suitcase - I went with another suitcase to another world, a new chapter of my life, the army service... I am not an emissary any more... Now I am just another soldier, one of thousands here in our small country. My commanders are not interested in my opinions; the army is a very strict place that requires full adjustment....We are a group of 30 girls here in my course. It is not easy for any of us but honestly it is not as hard for me as it is for the rest of the girls and I know it is thanks to my past year in MetroWest. I have had the privilege of looking at things in a wider perspective, miles and miles afar. I am not just a soldier, a girl in the automatic Israeli life cycle. I am serving my country. I am part of the great wall of defense of my land, a wall that is not just 60 years old; it is more than 5000 years old. I am part of this great union that is here to protect our Jewish country, our Jewish nation. I know that there are many people in Israel and in NJ that are proud of me and care for me dearly."

Drishat Shalom,

Shana Tova and Gmar Hatima Tova!