According to the Hebrew calendar, this Monday marks the start of the month of Elul, the month which precedes Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Always have we regarded this as a time of “spiritual preparation” for the start of yet another year. And even as we are all so much focused upon the happenings of our world, the days of Elul are intended to be a time of turning inward and asking ourselves some critical questions. “Are there changes that I would like to affect in my life? Have I been faithful to the values and priorities that make for a worthy life? How might I become a better me?”

Yes, there is so much that we would like to change about our society and world. But our sages tell us that the place to start that pursuit is with ourselves. And so, the intent of the month of Elul.

With the month of Elul there comes the practice of blowing the shofar each morning. And what is the significance of these harsh, shrill blasts? Our tradition teaches that the sounds declare to us: “Awake, you sleepers, from your sleep! Rouse yourselves out of your slumber. Examine your deeds and turn in repentance.” The call to each of us that we recognize the urgency of life; the urgency of making the most of the precious days and years that we are granted. Yes, let us make sure that the things that we are pursuing, and the things about which we worry, really are the most important concerns of our lives. That is the intent and the hope of this time of year.

I hope you will join us this evening for our Shabbat service as I wish you and your loved ones Shabbat Shalom, a Sabbath of peace, love and tranquility.

Rabbi Emeritus David Greenberg