Rabbi Michael Weinstein
The Ritual of Elul
Are you ready? Our Tradition asks.
Have you gotten it right? Our Tradition asks.
On Yom Kippur, we practice our death. Upon your deathbed, are you confident in taking your last breath? Have you done the work in this life of repair, kindness, and good? At the end of the day, can you say “God, take me away?” Or are there things left undone? Who have we wronged? With whom have we been short? Each year, we ask these questions.
We approach this time in trepidation, not because we necessarily believe in a physical ‘Book of Life,’ but rather, we understand the metaphorical implications.
We spend this time of Elul readying our hearts and souls for the work of Return. We make our amends, and we ask for forgiveness. Be reflective. Separate yourself from that which distracts and diverts. Be careful of the evil tongue. Tzedakah is a means to betterment for the bearer more so than the recipient. Find your way to a spiritual place of Shalem, wholeness and completeness.
As our hearts are broken, our souls mend in truth. May this be God’s will as we return in love and favor.
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