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From the Rabbi's Study More Than Just Repentance Many of us have been enjoying the summer and cannot believe that August has appeared. We have enjoyed the beautiful weather, barbeques with family and friends, and a break from the normal yearly routine. As we prepare to face the school year many parents are organizing their children’s backpacks. Here at the synagogue, we are gearing up for another great school year: looking at curriculum and finalizing teaching positions; and fall always represents the Yomim Nora’im, the High Holy Days. As a rabbi, summer is the time when I can contemplate sermon topics, research and begin to outline these important homilies for High Holy Day (Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur). Many Jews associate long services, and a time of repentance for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. It is the standing struggle many of us have, “I don’t believe God punishes; but yet, I am willing to play it safe.” The liturgy (prayers) of the High Holy Days is meant to remind us of our past year and take us through the steps of remembering our actions and intentions. Not only is it a time to remember when we have faltered, but it is also a time to acknowledge when we learned to do something right. In our tradition, this process of recognition of the actions of our year is more than a day long activity (Yom Kippur). The Yomim Nora’im represent the 10 days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, it is the time of transition from our folk-lore that God writes our fate on the first day, and seals it on the last. However, our tradition teaches more than just the doom and gloom perspective of these significant days. All Jews are supposed to start reflecting a month before Rosh Hashanah with the start of the month of Elul (August 20th). The month of Elul represents a time for us to be pensive in thought. Our great sages teach in midrash, a rabbinic story, that the letters of Elul (Aleph-Lamed-Vav-Lamed) really are an acronym from Song of Songs (one of the books of the Bible, found in the Book of Writings). Song of Songs is a love story representing the love between the people of Israel and God. The acronym of Elul represents “Ani l’Dodi v’Dodi Li” “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine” (6:3), meaning “Now is the time that all my thoughts should be directed towards my Beloved (God), and when I do that, my Beloved is also to me, that he helps, assists, and cares for me” (Aruch HaShulchan). Therefore in the days ahead, we are to focus our energy on connecting to God. It is not only a time of repentance, but there is also a deeper message. Preparing for the High Holy Days is a time of love and intimacy with the Eternal. And as we try to strengthen our relationship with God, we also work on connection to loved ones and friends. May the end of year 5769 and the beginning of 5770 help you to love, cherish, and find fulfillment. L’shanah Tovah (Happy New Year)
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© Beth Chaverim Reform Congregation Ashburn, Virginia USA
