My Dear Friends,
Today, August 26, 2014, marks the eve (Rosh Chodesh) of first day of the Hebrew
month of Elul – the month preceding the High Holy Days. It is customary during
this holy month to begin intensive personal preparations for the New Year. This
process, called Cheshbon Ha-Nefesh – ‘an inventory of our souls’ –
requires that each of us engage in a process of self-examination. We need to
look closely at our relationships, thoughts, deeds, fears and dreams. We do
this so that we can enter into the Yamim Noraim – the Days of Awe –
spiritually and personally refreshed and prepared for the process of teshuvah
(repentance/returning). This is the time when our tradition teaches that we
need to ask those around us whom we have wronged to forgive us for our actions.
We are also commanded to forgive those who ask us as well.
As we reflect back over the past year, it is important that
we put every aspect of our lives into perspective. It has become my custom,
during the month of Elul to send out weekly lists of seven questions (one for
each day of the week) to members of our community and to all who wish to
receive them. These questions are designed to help us examine our lives in all
of the varied aspects and arenas in which we live: Spiritual, Physical,
Interpersonal and Communal. Hopefully, by answering these questions
we will be better prepared to enter into the New Year. The purpose of these
questions is not to make us feel bad or unworthy, but rather to “nudge” us into
looking at these vitally important aspects of our lives. There will be seven
questions in each list – one for every day of the week.
This has been a difficult summer. We have watched as Israel
has been attacked – on the battlefield and in the cities and towns where
missiles fall indiscriminately on innocent civilians. Israel has faced crises
before. But somehow this time feels different. It is not only the Jewish State
that is facing attacks, but Jews all over the world are being singled out for
violence and demonization in the media, online and in the streets of our
cities. As we approach the Yamim Noraim our process of Cheshbon
takes on new significance as we struggle to understand our Jewish selves in
light of the rising tide of Anti-Semitism that has poisoned the waters of
rational discourse and contemplation.
It seems as though everywhere we look the world is in a
tailspin. From the rise of ISIS in Iraq and Syria, to the riots on the streets
of Ferguson, MO; from the outbreaks of Ebola in Africa to the aggressive
invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops – international paradigms are shifting
and standards of behavior are in a constant flux.
Our task, as we enter into this sacred time, is to try to
make sense of what we are experiencing and, if we can’t do this, than at least
to reconnect with our own values. This is not easy – and, truth be told, it’s
not supposed to be.
I welcome your comments and suggestions for additional
questions and formats that we can use. If
answering these questions causes you to want to speak to one of the Temple
clergy, Rabbi Immerman, Cantor Heit, canto Sacks and I would welcome the
opportunity. Note that all of these
materials will also be available in hard copy at the Temple Office. They also will be posted on my blogs and
linked to both our website and Facebook Page. If you know of anyone else who
might want to receive these mailings – whether or not they are members of the
congregation, please contact the Temple office and we will be happy to send
them out.
Week One: Spiritual Selves
As we enter the month of Elul, we must examine our spiritual
lives. Spirituality is one of those words that mean different things to
different people. For the purposes of this list of questions, I want you to
focus on Spirituality as referring to those aspects of your life that help you
to feel connected to something greater than yourself. We grow spiritually when
we feel that our lives have meaning and purpose and that we are part of a
Divine Plan. The liturgy of the Yamim Noraim – the Days of Awe – is
filled with the language of God’s judgment. Rather than perceive this is a
negative or punitive light, try to imagine that we are being judged for the way
that we fulfill the spiritual potential that God has given us.
This week's questions deal with our Spiritual Selves. During
this time of Chesbon Ha Nefesh, one of our tasks is to examine the
status of our relationship with God, Torah, and our own mortality. As always, the
following questions should not be perceived as a complete listing – they are
merely a beginning. If you have other questions that you think may help others
in our community, I would love to receive them.
QUESTIONS – WEEK ONE – SPIRITUAL SELVES
- Has my
faith been shaken by the painful news of world tragedies we all have
experienced over the past few weeks.
- When/where
was the last time I felt close to God?
- Have I
been able to catch glimpses of the Divine in the faces of those whom I
love?
- What
aspects of my personality reflect the values that I have inherited from my
family? From society? From Popular culture? From my own inner holiness?
- When
was the last time I was able to pray without any distraction?
- How
often, during the course of the past year, have I been able to set aside
my own needs for something bigger than myself?
- If I
were put in the position of explaining my beliefs to others, would I feel
comfortable in doing so?
May you utilize these and all of your questions to help you
gain a better understanding of your spiritual selves.
L’Shanah Tovah,
Rabbi Joe Black
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