Posted on August 30, 2024 by Rabbi David Katz
One might think that the Jewish day begins in the morning. After all, that is when the sun rises and the warmth of light is felt. One might also think that the Jewish New Year begins in the spring, when the flowers bloom and the birds begin to sing. But in actuality, a Jewish day starts when three stars appear in the darkness of evening and our year begins when nights become longer than days. In this way our tradition teaches us that every new beginning is preceded by a silent stillness and an easing in to action, by an intense preparation that is, in fact, the actual beginning.
So it is with our spiritual lives. Even after a tumultuous political year we must prepare ourselves for the High Holidays by turning inward in order to begin the year anew.
The month of Elul precedes the month of Tishrei when Rosh Hashanah falls. Our Rabbis teach that during Elul we must begin to prepare. It is the time to turn inward, to become introspective, to reflect upon the past year and ready ourselves for the year ahead. It is a time to contemplate, to take account of all we did and all that we had hoped to do. So we ask ourselves, where are we headed? How must we change?
Amidst our family responsibilities, work obligations, the local, national and international news, (which we pray will be more peaceful,) amidst our TO DO lists, the daily errands, the long term home projects, amidst the hustle bustle of our hourly tasks and our battle to find moments of leisure, the deeper questions of life find their way to the surface. Why are we here on this earth? Is there a purpose to our existence? If there is a personal God what should we be doing or saying?
The month of Elul begins this Tuesday evening and on Tuesday, September 17 and 24 at 7:00 p.m. Cantor and I will offer classes on “Preparing for the High Holidays.” We hope you will attend.
During Elul we begin our spiritual journey once again – and the end will be the beginning. The circle of life continues…. another season of holidays with those we love. On Rosh Hashanah we will eat round challah and dip apples in honey and pray for a sweet and peaceful year ahead.
Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi David Katz
