My Dear Friends,
For the first time in a long time, the first day of the
Hebrew month of Elul is also the 1st day of the secular month of September. It
is customary during this holy month that precedes the High Holidays 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. During this sacred season we 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). Our
tradition teaches that the month of Elul compels us to ask those around us whom
we have wronged to forgive us for our actions if we have wronged them. 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. As is my tradition, during the
month of Elul, I will be sending 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: Communal, Interpersonal,
Spiritual and Physical. 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.
In addition, I also will be teaching a class that corresponds to each
list on Thursday evenings from 5:30 to 6:30.
Our first class will be this Thursday, September 5th.
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, Cantor Sacks, Rabbi Hyatt, Rabbi
Baskin and I would welcome the opportunity. These emails will also be posted on
my blog and linked to both the Temple 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: Communal Selves
Once again, we are about to conclude a year that, like the
year that preceded it, has been filled with controversy. We have witnessed
political and social tensions which have divided our nation around topics such
as Immigration, Foreign Policy, Racial Prejudice, Gun Violence, Women’s Rights,
Freedom of the Press, Climate Change, LGBTQ rights, and basic civil discourse.
We have seen a rise in acts of violence. Mass murder is part and parcel of the
landscape of our nation. The gridlock in Congress has served as a backdrop for
feelings of futility and hopelessness as our nation appears to be losing our
place as a source of strength and moral clarity.
Jewish tradition teaches that one of the most important
bulwarks against despair is a strong and dynamic community. It is in the
context of community that we can find meaning and purpose when we see the chaos
swirling around us. But a healthy and strong community is not a given. We are
responsible to creating, sustaining and supporting our community. Most of us
live in many different communities. It is my hope that Temple Emanuel is or
will be a central part of your communal experience and expression.
The following are a questions designed to help us explore
our communal selves as we begin the process of Cheshbon Hanefesh:
- Have I allowed my political perspectives to color my relationships with those with whom I disagree?
- How have I helped sustain my congregation and community during the year? Have I given all that I could in terms of my time? My resources? My experience?
- Have I taken advantage of all that my congregation and community have to offer?
- Have I taken my own comfort for granted and “looked the other way” when I saw poverty or despair in my community?
- Regardless of political perspective, have I been vocal in my support of the State of Israel?
- When I am at synagogue, have I done all that I can to make others feel welcomed in the same way that I want to feel welcome?
- Have I explored ways to address the conflict and tension that have become commonplace in everyday discourse?
These questions are in no way complete. They are designed to help all of us to begin
the process of looking deep within ourselves and our souls as we enter into the
month of Elul. Some of them are repeated from previous years. Again, we want to
hear from you. If you have thoughts, questions or comments about anything we
encourage you to let us know.
May you utilize these and all your questions to help you
gain a better understanding of your communal selves.
L’Shanah Tovah,
Rabbi Joseph R. Black
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