Elul 18/August 31

The month of Elul prepares us for the coming High Holy Days, which are timed for t’kufat hashanah, “the end of the year” (Exodus 34:22). But what does it really mean for a year to end? The same word appears in Psalm 19, which speaks of the sun’s domain: motzato ut’kufato al k’tzotam, “Its dawning and its ending until the far reaches [of the sky]” (Ps. 19:7). A lovely translation for the t’kufah of the sun might be “turning in,” which reflects our English idiom of “the turning of the year.”

When a year “turns,” it does not disappear. It simply dips out of view. Thus Psalm 19 depicts Nature’s praise of God: “Day to day makes utterance; night to night speaks out” (v. 3). The days and nights speak to one another, suggesting that even time that has “ended” lingers.

So as Elul “turns in” to Rosh Hashanah, we ask: What utterances of this waning year will we hear in the year to come? What lessons will we carry with us, and what memories will enrich our days?

The conclusion of Psalm 19 is also the conclusion of our daily silent prayer. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable to you, Eternal, my rock and my redeemer (v. 15). May our prayers this Elul bring meaning to the year’s end, and may we find in the year ahead acceptance, stability, and renewal.