How will you spend the next 27 days?
Hopefully, hanging out with family, enjoying the sunshine, and reading a good book are all part of the picture. But I also hope that as the countdown to the High Holydays begin, you will take some time to reflect upon the past year and consider what you might want to do differently. Tradition tells us that the Hebrew month of Elul, which is the month leading up to Rosh Hashanah, is meant to be a time of introspection. It’s just not possible to do all that hard work on Rosh Hashanah or on Yom Kippur. To really think about one’s life takes time and careful consideration. It is (at least!) a month-long process.
Luckily, there are many people out there who want to help you in this process. My two favorites are “Prepent” by Amichai Lau-Lavie and “Jewels of Elul” organized by Craig Taubman. Each will send a daily post right to your inbox that is meant to spark a conversation of sorts. Sometimes this is a conversation you have with yourself, and sometimes this might be a conversation you need to have with someone else.
I know, I know, you get a zillion emails a day. Why do you want one more? Well, I am willing to bet that very few of those emails inspire you to action. And probably none are a daily reminder to think, to change, to grow. So for the next 27 days treat yourself to this little gift. Sign up for one or both of these posts and see where the month of Elul takes you!
Jewels of Elul: http://www.letmypeoplesing.com/jewels/
Prepent: http://amichai.me/writings
Shabbat Shalom!
Pamela Joy Barkley
