There is a famous saying that goes, “the best defence is offence.”

Sometimes we wait for prompting or for something to come our way, and only then, do we respond.

We would feel much more in control if we would be more proactive. We would get a lot more done, when we pre-empt a negative situation, by bringing positive action in the first instance.

Parshat Ki Teitzei is read only a few weeks before Rosh Hashana. There is a message here waiting for us to hold onto, as we enter the New Jewish Year.

It begins with a discussion about war. It says, “When you go out to war against your enemies.”

Rabbi Israel Ba’al Shemtov (1698-1760) explains, that although the simple meaning here is about a physical war, it also refers to metaphorical wars in our daily lives as well. Namely the daily tasks and challenges of life. He says there are two types of responses we can have to life’s tasks and challenges.

There are moments when the challenge arrives at our door step, and then we need to respond.

Then there is a proactive approach, when we “go out,” and make something happen causing a different and better outcome.

In this Parsha it is clearly pointing us in the direction of the latter approach. There is an emphasis, on the words “go out.” This isn’t a type of war when the enemy has come in and invaded, but rather it is an “outgoing war,” a proactive move.

Here’s a personal question. What is the very first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?

Judaism teaches us that the best way to spend our very first moments of the day is by showing gratitude, to say Modeh Ani, to thank G-d that we are alive.

Instead of spending the first moments looking at our phone, social media feed or news, which is essentially being reactive to what others are saying.

We can be pro active and set the tone ourselves of how our day will turn out to be. A day of gratitude, positivity and appreciation.

It’s a great habit to get used to as we enter the New Year.

Shabbat Shalom!