A Reflection for Elul

Woman playing guitar with audience watching outside at sunset

Shalom Friends,

Welcome to another glorious year. May it be a year of sweetness and blessings for all.

Elul, the final month of the Jewish calendar (corresponding this year to August and September), is filled with religious, spiritual, and cultural significance. Not only does it mark the beginning of school for our students, it immediately precedes the Jewish High Holidays and is a month of deep preparation, self-examination, accounting, and introspection. This month has enormous power – a time, according to our mystical tradition, when the “King (God) is in the field and receives all people pleasantly and with a smiling countenance.”

These few weeks are, therefore, an especially potent time for us to come closer to God and to ourselves, and to dedicate time to “soul accounting,” taking stock of our actions and thoughts over the past year. Where have you improved and where do you still have room to improve? Whatever it is you want to change – Elul is the time for it. Discerning honestly gives you a running start for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and the “Days of Awe.”

In Hebrew, the High Holidays are called Yamim Noraim, translated as the “Days of Awe,” because we stand in awe before the Holy One and the eternal questions we are summoned to consider. It is during this time that Jews reflect on the year to see how they have grown, and where they may have missed the mark. They offer and ask for forgiveness and look ahead to a New Year filled with new possibilities.

The Days of Awe begin on Sunday, Sept. 25 this year. On Monday, Sept. 26, many of our Jewish students may choose to attend Rosh Hashanah services (LMU Jewish Life is offering services from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) and use the day to pray and reflect. Additionally, Yom Kippur falls on Wednesday, Oct. 5. This is a day of fasting and deep, reflective prayer. Many of our students may choose to attend services (LMU Jewish Life is offering services from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.), followed by the Breaking of the Fast at 6 p.m.).

We ask you please be sensitive, flexible, and cooperative with observing students in your classes who request rescheduling and/or accommodations during this time. We genuinely appreciate it! May you have a year of blessings and sweetness. Thank you for in advance for your accommodations and support!

Go Lions! Peace and Blessings,

Rabbi Zach