Elul 13 and 14, 5778

On Fridays, we give you a double portion of our Elul Thoughts so that we can all take a rest from our electronics on Shabbat. Enjoy!

Rabbi Bradley Levenberg

I do so love these slower days of summer. I love this time not only because with schools on break, driving seems much less hectic, but because it is one time when so many of us are united in simultaneously dreaming of next year and reflecting upon the year that has gone by.

This spirit of reflection finds grounding in the holiday celebrations of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. I reflect upon the similarities between these holy days: both days in which we begin the observance by kindling light, both holidays that find the greatest expression when commemorated with family and friends. Both holidays present unique customs meant to highlight themes of togetherness, of belief and identity; both holy days struggle with over-simplification (“Happy New Year” and “I hope you have an easy fast!”) that threaten the central idea core to the commemoration.

As we celebrate somehow separately and yet still together, may this prayer, adapted from the writings of L. Annie Foerster, offer guidance and inspiration:

Light of Life,

We gather from many traditions and many ways of life to speak with one strong voice – to give thanks and to worship together. Let our prayer be heard, for aren’t we all one family with the same wants and needs? Help us to strive for a healthy planet; to work toward peaceful, loving relationships with all of humankind; to achieve our vision of seeing all people fed in body and nourished in soul, sheltered from the rain and free from unnecessary fears.

Let our prayers be heard, for aren’t we all one family with the same joys and sorrows? Hear our praise of love and beauty; harken to our songs of celebration. Let our efforts be forever intertwined, for aren’t we all one family, gathered together, grateful for the warmth and recognition we find in one another’s hearts and faces?

Let this be our prayer, and our thanks, and our love: Blessed be the joy in our gathering, whether physically together or bound by hopes and dreams for a brighter tomorrow. Blessed indeed be the joy in our gathering. Amen.

Rabbi Eric Linder

I’ve never liked the translation of *T’shuvah* as repentance.

Sure, repentance, making amends, and apologizing are important during our High Holiday season. They are essential. But the concept of *T’shuvah* goes far beyond the boundaries of making amends.

The root of the word means, *To turn.* There’s an idea that when we perform *T’shuvah,* we turn toward God. But we also turn toward the best parts of ourselves, which may as of yet be undiscovered.

I hope that all of us have the courage and strength to perform acts of *T’shuvah* in all of its forms.