Elul 5/August 18

Rabbi Alan Cook

One of my favorite attractions at Walt Disney World is the Carousel of Progress.  Originally built for the 1964 World’s Fair to showcase General Electric’s products, it is one of the few remaining attractions at the park developed by Walt Disney himself.

I admire the attraction for its innovations: the theater is divided into segments; each time the scene changes, the outer ring of the building rotates, moving the audience to another stage.  The story of our country’s progress is told by intricate Audio-Animatronic figures, and the story is tied together by the song “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow,” by the Sherman Brothers.

Recently, it was announced that the show would receive a refurbishment, with updated scenes better reflecting contemporary technologies.  Fans have expressed mixed feelings; while elements of the ride are outdated, there is a nostalgia factor connected to the current iteration, which has been in place for over thirty years.

The discussion amongst the fans mirrors the self-examination that we are called to engage in during Elul.  We might be inclined to reinforce old habits, to continue familiar behaviors, because stepping into an unknown environment of change feels frightening and daunting.  Elul reminds us that change is part of the human condition—that it is inevitable and can be rewarding.  Elul encourages us to look forward to the Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow and to take the steps needed to ready ourselves for the coming year.