18 Elul - Rabbi Barry Lutz
During these days we talk a lot about “teshuva”. This Hebrew word, translated as repentance has at its root the word “shuv”, to turn, to go in a different direction. While we speak a great deal about changing course, making change, doing things differently, we all know that this is much more difficult that it appears. Change takes courage, determination, strength … and a plan.
Today, challenge yourself to identify one way in which you want the new year to be different from this past year. Then, take one step towards making that a reality.
19 Elul - Cantor Kerith Spencer-Shapiro
As our hearts turn inward during Elul, we can take time to begin (or perhaps continue) a conversation with God. In essence, our prayers are scripted conversations with the divine. In Yih’yu l’ratzon, we pray that our words are acceptable to God. But truly, what words wouldn’t be acceptable? What kind of conversation would you have with God? Why not start one today?
20 Elul - Rabbi Joel Simonds
The world calls out to us “see me, hear me, learn from me, engage with me.” Yet often we wake up and go through our day blind and deaf to the image of God that surrounds us. May the daily blessing “Praise to You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of the universe, who opens the eyes of the blind.” May this be our message in this new year. Open our eyes to the miracles in our world. Open our hearts to the love in our world. Open our ears to the sounds of hope in our world. Open for us the gates of this New Year.
21 Elul - Jennifer Haarmann, Co-President
The work during the holidays is to look inward. To reflect and repent. In a time of so much noise and distraction, there can be no more valuable use of time and energy. To wake up and take a moment and remind myself of all that I have that nurtures and sustains me. Of how grateful I am for my health, and for my family. And for the family I’ve chosen- my community here, and how much I welcome being on this journey with them. To take a moment and remind myself that I need to experience that appreciation and let it settle into me, like the glow of the afternoon sun. And to take that appreciation and to look forward.
22 Elul - Toby Berkow, Executive Director
The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members, a heart of grace, and a soul generated by love.
-CORETTA SCOTT KING
For more Elul with US follow our social media posts @UniSynagogue on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can revisit services and previous Zoom programs on our YouTube playlists as well.
