May this month of Elul bring you introspection, growth and love. Chodesh tov!
Our post this week are the beautiful words of future rabbi, Danny Dubin taken with permission to inspire us all.
As many Jews prepare for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur next month, we welcome the Hebrew Month of Elul this Friday evening.
Elul is a month of love and also one of deep reflection. We are tasked with completing “chesbon nefesh” – soul accounting.
Over this last Jewish Year of 5779, I’ve kept a little notebook in my tallit bag. During my prayers each morning, I try to focus on just one thing for which I want forgiveness…
…not taking my homework seriously…wasting food…not focusing…not getting enough sleep…not signing up for a shift at the sanctuary church…snapping at my partner… not acting on the cries of others…
…the list goes on.
My goal is that by time Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur come around I will not have to think spontaneously about my shortcomings. Rather, I will look at this year’s writings and use those as inspiration for my prayers.
As we approach the month of Elul, which marks one month before Rosh Hashanah, I encourage you to take an account each day of your shortcomings. There are no wrong or right answers. Simply see where your mind wonders. Then, when you hear the shofar blasts, your mind can shift to your days of reflection.
May this month of Elul bring you introspection, growth and love. Chodesh tov!
