We are now in the month of Elul on the Hebrew calendar and for Jews across the globe, this is a time of reflection and soul-searching before the start of the Jewish new year, Rosh Hashanah.
I couldn’t be more excited about Elul this year because, for the first time, I truly understand the significance of it. This is our time to “wipe the slate clean” in preparation for a wonderful new Jewish year and I intend to do just that.
What Exactly is Elul?
There is more to Elul than just “out with the old in with the new.” This is the time to take a serious look at our actions over the past year, admit mistakes, forgive, and be forgiven. My Jewish Learning explains:
“Elul is traditionally a time of introspection and personal stock-taking, known in Hebrew as cheshbon hanefesh — literally “an accounting of the soul.” This process is conducted in preparation for Rosh Hashanah when, Jewish tradition teaches, all of humanity is called to account and a divine judgment is issued.”
This time of reflection also includes rituals like blowing the Shofar–a musical instrument made from a ram’s horn and the daily recitation of Palms 27.
The significance of the Shofar is to awaken the spirit before the high holidays that follow the month of Elul: Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Meanwhile, Psalm 27 is read twice daily during Elul. My Jewish Learning explains the significance of reading Psalm 27 before the High Holidays:
“The psalm demands oneness, reflecting an integration of most difficult circumstances together with security. The psalmist is model, puzzle, and challenge to us, for he did not hide from life’s troubles on one hand, and yet lives within a framework of faith on the other. Reciting this psalm demands that twice a day we struggle with ourselves and our faith, in expectation that we will arrive at the Days of Awe ready for repentance, ready to celebrate on the holiday with a full heart before the Lord.”
Hearing the Shofar daily for the month of Elul has not been possible for me but I have adopted the ritual of reciting Psalm 27 daily in preparation for the High Holidays and it has been a wonderful learning experience.
What Elul Means to Me
Last year at this time I wasn’t even completely sure what Elul was but things are different now. Over the past year I’ve taken multiple classes in Judaism and what it means to be Jewish has become much clearer for me. Now, more than ever, I am in love with my chosen faith and Elul is another piece of the puzzle that has made me complete.
I now know I have a responsibility during this time to take a long hard look at what worked and what didn’t work over the past year and to make sure that during the upcoming year, my faith grows stronger, my knowledge of Judaism increases, and most importantly my relationship with God continues to blossom.
As I reflect on this past year there were challenges. My family and I experienced stresses that included job loss and illness. I’ve looked at those situations and asked myself difficult questions: How strong was my faith during these challenges? Did I do enough to support my family? Where did I do wrong? What did I do right? Were there times when I could have done more? Were there times when my faith slipped away?
The truth is there were times when I succeeded, and times when I failed. But, this isn’t about perfection, it’s about learning, growing stronger in faith, and drawing closer to God. Each new year brings opportunities to improve ourselves, to give to others, and to make this world the heavenly place God intended. Are you preparing for the high holidays? If so, leave me a comment. I would love to hear your story. Yom Tov!
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In