From the Rabbi

During the Jewish months of Elul and Tishrey, I invite you to take each of four themes, and consider them in your thoughts, conversations or rituals. They represent the three simplest essentials of prayers, with a fourth seasonally-specific one: PLEASE. THANKS. YAY! FORGIVE ME. 

Our fourth theme is tied to selihot, from the root meaning pardon or forgive, as well as denoting the title for the liturgical service of preparation for the Days of Awe. 

The Jewish months of Elul and Tishrey provide a framing period for seeking, and offering, forgiveness. This is the week the Jewish calendar supports your forgiveness efforts.

Practicing forgiveness is like anything else that requires discipline, akin to a sport. It comes more easily, and is more effective, when the muscles are limber, warmed-up. So for those
of us who don’t otherwise do so readily, the period before the High Holy Days that begins in Elul – and that is highlighted at the late-night Selihot service prior to Rosh Hashanah - is set as a time of preparation for saying “I’m sorry.”

Still, there are times when speaking from the heart, without scripted words, gestures or behaviors, trumps the set words. In writing, through gestures, with words of, from, or within the heart, privately or shared with community, you won’t be alone this week - or in the year to come - when you practice forgiveness.

With blessings for a year of sweetness, joy, health and life, and for a “good completing” of your days of at-one-ment – gmar hatima tova.

- Rabbi Liz