As we enter the month of Elul, we have an opportunity to
examine and evaluate our spiritual lives.
That’s an easy sentence to write, but a much more difficult one to
explain. What IS spirituality? It certainly 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 we
are open to the possibility of the miraculous around us.
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. I will post them on my blog – which is linked
to both Facebook and our Temple Emanuel website.
QUESTIONS – WEEK TWO – SPIRITUAL SELVES
- What
events have caused me to question my faith during the course of the past
year?
- When/where
was the last time I felt close to God (however you define God)…?
- Jewish
tradition teaches that all of us are created in the Divine Image. When was the last time I looked for
holiness in the people that I love the most?
- 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?
- During
those moments when I did feel close to God (however you define God…) this
past year, was I able to hold on to those feelings and share them with
others?
Again, these lists are in no way complete. They are designed to help us as we prepare
for the High Holy Days. If any of these
questions has caused to you want to speak to me or any of the other clergy at
Temple Emanuel, please do not hesitate to call us at 303-388-4013. You can also send me an email at Black@EmanuelDenver.org.
May you utilize these and all of your questions to help you
gain a better understanding of your spiritual selves.
L’Shanah Tovah,
Rabbi Joseph R. Black
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