Dear Friends,

I write this on Monday, September 1st - Labor Day. Today is also the first day of Elul -the month preceding the High Holy Days. In many ways, this is a wonderful and appropriate juxtaposition of dates. On labor day, our nation takes time off to reflect on the meaning and blessing of hard work. During the month of Elul, we also have "work" to do. This is the time when we 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.

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 I write these questions, another hurricane is raging in the Gulf Coast and New Orleans and its surrounding communities have been evacuated. The memories of the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina are fresh in all of our minds. We join in prayer for the residents of these communities. May they return to their homes in good health and in peace.

This is also a time when our nation is in the midst of a National Election. In many ways, hurricanes and elections are powerful symbols of the process of Cheshbon Ha-Nefesh. Storms and other natural disasters remind us of how precarious and precious life can be: as much as we plan; as much as we imagine that we are in control, the truth is that, all too often, we are subject to the whims of fate.

Elections, on the other hand, are designed to help us shape and control our future. They are a reflection of our values and a means to implement the vision of what we want from our leaders. When we participate in the Electoral process, we are saying that we want to make a difference in the future of our nation and our world.

When we engage in Cheshbon Ha-Nefesh we are also making a statement that, despite all of the areas of our lives over which we have no control, we still feel confident that we can make a difference in our own lives and the lives of those around us.

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, .

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 Joe Black
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