4 Weeks of Elul 5765

On Monday, September 5th, we welcome the Hebrew month of Elul - the month preceding the High Holy Days. During the month of Elul, it is traditional to begin intensive personal preparations for the New Year. This process, called Cheshbon Ha-Nefesh - 'an inventory of our souls' - requires that each of us engage in a process of self-examination. We need to look closely at our relationships, thoughts, deeds, fears and dreams. We do this so that we can enter into the Yamim Noraim - the Days of Awe - spiritually and personally refreshed and prepared. This is the time when our tradition teaches that we need to ask those around us whom we have wronged to forgive us for our actions. We are also commanded to forgive those who ask us as well.

This year, the coming of Elul was preceded by the devastation spawned by Hurricane Katrina. As I write this letter, the scenes of absolute despair, grief and turmoil that have come in the wake of the wind and the water lay heavily on my heart - as I know they do on all of us. How can we make sense of such a tragedy? The lives that have been lost; the destruction that has taken place; the utter chaos that we are witnessing fills us with alternating feelings of rage, powerlessness, despair and shock. And yet, know that there will be moments of hope to come - especially as the inevitable tales of heroism and selflessness that will emerge from the depths of the floods come to light. Let us use all of our responses to this tragedy to work to help those in need and work to prevent further loss.

As we approach the process of Cheshbon Ha-Nefesh, we would be remiss if we did not acknowledge that many of our personal struggles pale in comparison to the plight of the victims of the Hurricane. Now, more than ever, is a time for Tzeddakah. If you have not yet made a contribution to the relief effort, please do so. Our movement, the Union for Reform Judaism, has set up a fund for providing help in the most direct way possible. If you wish to make a contribution over the internet, you may do so at by going to the following link http://www.urj.org/relief/. You can also access it on our website - www.congregationlbert.org. At this critical time, donations of money are essential. It is not enough, however. Over the next few days and weeks we will find other ways to help those in need.

And yet, despite our anguish over Katrina -- perhaps, even because of the soul-searching that we are experiencing -- the important work of Elul must go on.

As we reflect back over the past year, it is important that we put every aspect of our lives into perspective. Over the past years, during the month of Elul I have utilized the Congregation Albert E-mail list to send out lists of questions. These questions are designed to help us examine our lives in all of the varied aspects and arenas in which we live - Spiritual, Physical, Interpersonal and Communal - and ask ourselves difficult questions as to whether we are truly prepared to enter in to the New Year. Again, the purpose of these questions is not to make us feel bad or unworthy, but rather to “nudge” us into looking at these vitally important aspects of our lives. There will be seven questions in each list - one for every day of the week.

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions for additional questions and formats that we can use. Note that all of these materials will also be available in hard copy at the Temple Office. If you know of anyone else who might want to receive these mailings - whether or not they are members of the congregation, contact our list administrator, .

L'shanah Tovah U'metukah - May you have a good and sweet new year,

Rabbi Joe Black
 

Week One: Spiritual Selves

As we enter the month of Elul, we must examine our spiritual lives. Spirituality is one of those words that mean different things to different people. For the purposes of this list of questions, I want you to focus on Spirituality as referring to those aspects of your life that help you to feel connected to something greater than yourself. We grow spiritually when we feel that our lives have meaning and purpose and that we are part of a Divine Plan. The liturgy of the Yamim Noraim - the Days of Awe - are filled with the language of God's judgment. Rather than perceive this is a negative or punitive light, try to imagine that we are being judged for the way that we fulfill the spiritual potential that God has given us.

This week's questions deal with our Spiritual Selves. During this time of Chesbon Ha-Nefesh, one of our tasks is to examine the status of our relationship with God, Torah, and our own mortality. As always, the following questions should not be perceived as a complete listing - they are merely a beginning. Some are repeated from previous years, others are new. If you have other questions that you think may help others in our community, I would love to receive them.

QUESTIONS - WEEK ONE - SPIRITUAL SELVES

1. Over the course of the year, how much time have I been able to dedicate towards appreciating the beauty of God's creation?
2. When/where was the last time I felt close to God?
3. How has my faith been tested this year? How has it been affirmed?
4. What aspects of my personality reflect the values that I have inherited from my family? From society? From Popular culture? From my own inner holiness?
5. When was the last time I was able to pray without any distraction?
6. Have I been able to forgive myself for past mistakes?
7. If I were put in the position of explaining my beliefs to others, would I feel comfortable in doing so?

May you utilize these and all of your questions to help you gain a better understanding of your spiritual selves.

L'Shanah Tovah,

Rabbi Joseph R. Black
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