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Today is the fifth day of the Hebrew month of Elul, which is the preparatory month just before Rosh Hashanah begins.  And how do we make ourselves ready?  We pay attention.  We turn inward.  We think about what we need to muster in order to face the new year with hope and commitment to things larger than ourselves.

There are so many Jewish sources to keep us company on this journey.  From ancient writings to contemporary poetry, the voices of our prophets, sages and artists enliven and elaborate on everything we face when we contemplate change – the world’s and our own.

As promised, today’s Shabbat to Shabbat message (as well as the next three leading up to the High Holidays) will draw on some of these voices, ending with a question to reflect on in the week to come.

In her book The Days Between, liturgist and translator Marcia Falk writes:

“The turning of the year… reminds us that all ends are beginnings and all beginnings can be turnings.  Who will live and who will die? asks Une’taneh Tokef, a central liturgical passage of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.  As the year turns and we become aware that the days are growing shorter… we turn to confront the great challenges of our lives. 

What kind of life will we live in the time we have?  Where in our life will we find purpose and meaning?[1]

On a sweet note, don’t forget to come to services followed by an ice-cream oneg at 7:00pm tonight!

Shabbat Shalom,