One of my colleagues shared that this year they are really looking forward to Elul, the month before Rosh Hashanah, because they are focused on the parts of themselves that they want to shed as we come to the end of the Shmitah year. Biblically, the shmitah year is every seventh year when the land lies fallow and people live off of what happens to grow, without the intervention of sowing and harvesting. For some today, the concept of shmitah focuses on doing with less, shedding what we do not need and spiritually shedding "baggage" that we might be carrying with us.

Each of us prepares for the High Holy Days in our own way. For me, the preparation is an essential aspect of my realigning process, bringing my actions and speech into balance with my values and how I want to be in the world. Yom Kippur is no longer only about apologizing and forgiving, it is about compassion for myself and for others as we continue to do our best with challenges around us.

This preparation is strengthened by community. On the first day of Elul, Sunday August 28, you are invited to a morning worship service, brunch and a reflective study session with Rabbi London. Later in the month of Elul there are opportunities to focus on High Holy Day themes in our Hebrew prayers and to explore the intersection of our tikkun middot (balancing soul traits) work and the Days of Awe.

Wishing you a restful and satisfying seventh day this week.

Shabbat Shalom,

Marci Dickman

Director of Lifelong Learning

To access worship services virtually, please check the latest info/links on the online calendar. Please note that Kabbalat Shabbat services are also posted on Facebook Live. Kabbalat Shabbat Livestream will include virtual t’filah to follow the service.