Dear Congregants,
At Sha’aray Shalom, one of the special traditions we share with one another is our communal dedication to study and reflection during the month of Elul. Our “Jewels of Elul” are an important part of the time leading up to our most sacred days, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur and help us reflect on our lives and our world and begin the process of t’shuvah.
A Jewel can be something that inspires such as a poem, work of art, or photograph. This year we would like to collect and share reflections of hope.
We will be accepting and sharing written, photo, and video Jewels. We encourage all ages to participate as individuals or as a family.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Take a photo of something that inspires hope in you
- Create art that helps you have hope for a better future
- Read or write a meaningful poem, short story, or introspection
Why should you submit a Jewel of Elul?
- To share your hopes for the future with others.
- To take a mental respite from the stress and strain of the current pandemic
- To remind yourself and your fellow congregants that good things happen and are worth looking forward to
As we try to remain close, yet distant, during this time of upheaval, we are suggesting that you may want to film yourself sharing your Jewel, so that you share not only your words or your art, but your face and your voice with the congregation. We understand that this is not a substitute for coming together during the High Holy Days, but we hope to foster that sense of community that we all crave and cherish and that makes Sha’aray Shalom so special.
How to share your Jewel:
- Record a simple video on your cell phone
- Please make sure videos are 1 minute or less
- Make sure your volume is audible and that there is no background noise distraction
- All submissions should have your name on it
- Students should put their grade as well.
- Please let us know how long you've been a member.
- If you submit a photo, please add a title to go along with it
- Submit your video, writing, photo or work of art to the Jewels of Elul Folder or email your submission to Annette at relschool@shaaray.org by July 20th.
It is our hope that the Jewels you share will not only help us envision a brighter future but show us how to overcome our own challenges while bringing our community closer.
