Jewels of Elul

Martin LaBar's Flickr

This week we began the Hebrew month of Elul, the last month of the Hebrew calendar.  Because it leads up to the High Holidays, Elul is a time for reflection, self-examination, and study.  During Elul, it is traditional to blow the shofar every weekday at the end of the morning service, to call us to repentance. (During my year in Jerusalem, I learned this custom the hard way, being awakened—literally, if not spiritually—at 6:00 a.m. every morning by the shofar from the shul nextdoor.)

Jewels of Elul is a project designed to keep us mindful of this time of spiritual preparation.  Every day they post a short teaching or reflection.  You can even sign up to have them e-mailed to you.  Some are by rabbis, but many are not.  Past contributors include President Obama, Desmond Tutu, Eli Wiesel, Deepak Chopra, and lots more. (Today's is by Lady Gaga.)

Elul is also an excellent time to come to Shabbat services, visit cemeteries, or read a good Jewish book.  Any of these things will add depth and meaning to our observance of the High Holidays.

For Discussion:  Do you have anything you do this time each year to prepare for the High Holidays?  I will start us off.  I always make an appointment for my annual physical during Elul.