Elul 12/August 25

Rabbi Erin Boxt

The month of Elul gives us this opportunity to reflect and look deep within ourselves for hidden comfort and possibility. This possibility allows us to focus on what we need. Our health – mental, physical, and spiritual – is of utmost importance. Every year, during Elul, we have time to think about what we are most thankful for or what we crave the most. Or, we may just have a few moments of quiet solitude in which our minds can unwind and just be. Maybe someone upset you today or you are worried that you upset someone else. Let it go; breathe, relax. Part of teshuvah – repentance – is just letting go. Allow yourself to live in the present, to be holy and let the holiness of others shine through. Teshuvah is not just about repentance; it is also about returning. Let us all return to a place of healing and wholeness.

Jewish tradition teaches that we should reflect on the previous year during Elul.  We should think about how we lived our lives and how to change or improve ourselves in the upcoming year.  We live such busy lives; we tend to forget to take time out to just relax, think and be.   During Elul, let us not rush to get to the High Holy Days to "get them over with."  Rather, let us relax, take a deep breath, take a step back and just be.  Think, take time out for yourself, and reflect.