A Month to Reflect, and to Turn
This has been a violent and painful year during which we’ve been witnesses to death, destruction, hatred and anger throughout the world. In this country, we have watched as many of our fellow citizens have been targeted for abuse, our civil liberties have been eroded, our environmental protections have been abandoned and our social service programs have been cut.
And now in the Jewish calendar the Hebrew month of Elul begins. Four weeks of focused reflection and preparation for Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur — and a new year, a new beginning, a chance to turn in new directions. Jewish tradition urges us to take time this month to reflect on our lives, to take stock of where we are, to consider past actions and to explore ways we would like to change so that we can live more fully.
We ask ourselves: How did I spend my time this year? Am I living what I love? Have I lived my values? Have I stood up for my beliefs? In what ways have I caused others pain? In what ways have I brought healing?
We ask ourselves how can we can turn — in Hebrew, do teshuvah — to live in deeper connection with our ideals, passions and visions. This process is called heshbon hanefesh — An accounting of the soul. It’s an inventory of who we are, who we are becoming, and who we long to be.
These questions are even more relevant this year, given the pain and injustice all around us. The month of Elul reminds us that we live in relationship with all beings and with the planet. Elul calls us to take responsibility for what is happening in our country and throughout the world and to open to ways we can bring healing.
Heshbon hanefesh, examining our souls, is not a meant to be a punitive or harsh practice. The call is to compassionately examine our actions, our words, our relationships and dedicate ourselves to living as truthfully and compassionately as we are able.
As we enter the month of Elul and begin this process we read this week Deuteronomy 16:20, which calls tzedek tzedek tirdof — “Justice, Justice you shall pursue.” Commentaries by ancient rabbis ask: Why does the Torah repeat the word “justice” twice?
A few answers worth noting. It is called out twice for:
Justice for ourselves and justice for those with whom we strive.
Justice sought through just means.
Justice in action and justice in speech.
“Justice” is repeated twice because it is not just about ourselves. It is about justice for all people everywhere. It is about realizing that we are in relationship with all people and all the earth and making sure all our pursuits honor and strengthen these relationships.
Beyond reflection, the month of Elul is a time for action. As we reflect on the past year, we notice ways in which we have caused pain and we seek to make amends with those we have hurt. We take notice of the pain in the world and we ask ourselves: what can I do to bring healing?
During this time, it is traditional to give tzedakah (donations — literally, “justice”) to individuals in need and to organizations that are working for peace and justice. Tzedek tzedek tirdof — “Justice, Justice shall you pursue” — In these weeks, may we turn toward the world and help bring healing.
(I’m posting teachings for each week of Elul that can be found on the website for A Way In Jewish Mindfulness organization and on our Facebook page. )
