It is hard to believe that we are already back at the beginning of the Hebrew month of Elul. It is customary during this holy month that precedes the High Holy Days to begin intensive personal preparations for the New Year. This process, called Cheshbon Ha-Nefesh – an inventory of our souls – requires that each of us engage in a process of self-examination. During this sacred season we look closely at our relationships, thoughts, deeds, fears, and dreams. We do this so that we can enter into the Yamim Noraim – the Days of Awe – spiritually and personally refreshed and prepared for the process of teshuvah (repentance/returning). Our tradition teaches that the month of Elul compels us to ask those around us whom we have wronged to forgive us for our actions if we have wronged them. We are also commanded to forgive those who ask us as well.
As we enter this season, I don’t think any of us imagined that we would still be navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, we gathered virtually, and while the experience of being together in such challenging circumstances was deeply moving, I think we all hoped that we would be able to be together in person this year, unburdened by the dangers and complications of the virus. As you all know, we’re not quite there.
This past year has been filled with many challenges: physical, economic, spiritual and emotional. We have been isolated from one another and we have been freed from isolation only to fear its return. We face uncertainty in so many areas of our lives. Our world is so different than it was when the pandemic started – and WE are different, too. Sometimes, when we think the crisis has passed, we lose perspective as we pray the challenges are behind us and want so desperately to look forward. And yet, perhaps now is the perfect time to try to put every aspect of our lives into perspective. If we only stay rooted in the future, we risk missing the beauty of what surrounds us.
We have a tradition here at Temple Emanuel during the month of Elul. We send seven questions (one for each day of the week) to members of our community and to all who wish to receive them. These questions are designed to help us examine our lives in all of the varied aspects and arenas in which we live: Communal, Interpersonal, Spiritual and Physical. Hopefully, by answering these questions we will be better prepared to enter into the Days of Awe.
Each week, a different member of our Clergy Team will share their thoughts – and ask the questions. The purpose of these questions is not to make us feel bad or unworthy, but rather to “nudge” us into looking at these vitally important aspects of our lives. And, a new addition this year: each week, on Tuesday at 7pm, the clergy member who has sent out the questions will be speaking in the Grape Street Tent for our TentTalks: Elul series, and you’re invited to register online and join them as we navigate the month – and the work – of Elul, together.
This week, our Torah Portion is Parshat Re’eh, from the book of Deuteronomy, and in Chapter 11, God puts before us both blessing and curse. In this text, we begin to understand that there will be both blessings and curses in our lives, and what matters is how we stand up under the challenges, and how we take care of each other.
The questions we send you each week don’t change too much from year to year. We’ve learned that WE change – and our LENS changes – enough to answer them anew. This first week’s questions are designed to help us explore ways in which we can work to strengthen our communal relationships:
Have I allowed myself to become less connected to my congregation and community over the past year?
During this time of political turmoil, have I found myself less open to others’ ideas and concerns when they conflict with my own?
In a “virtual” world, where it is easy to shut out people and ideas that make me uncomfortable, have I allowed myself to “block” people or institutions with whom I otherwise would have engaged in different times?
Have I worked to improve my community?
Have I been able to understand the issues that affect communities other than my own – for example, people of different ethnic, racial, or sexual orientation than me?
Have I reached out to support those community institutions that have been especially hard hit by the impact of COVID-19?
Understanding that everyone has been impacted by the pandemic, have I reached out to help those who have been less fortunate than me
These questions are in no way complete. They are designed to help all of us to begin the process of looking deep within ourselves and our souls as we enter into the month of Elul. We want to hear from you. If you have thoughts, questions or comments about anything we encourage you to let us know.
I hope to see you tomorrow night (Tuesday, August 3rd) at 7PM in the Grape Street Tent as we kick off this month of Elul together.
