Today marks the beginning of the Hebrew month of Elul. Because Elul immediately precedes Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the ancient rabbis taught that it is a time of reflection and growth as we prepare for the Days of Awe. Some have suggested that the word Elul is an acronym, with its Hebrew letters "Aleph," "Lamed," "Vav," "Lamed" representing the words "Ani L'Dodi V'Dodi Li" (Song of Songs 6:3). These words mean "I am my Beloved's and my Beloved is mine," --in this case "Beloved" is God, and "I" the Jewish People. Elul is the time when we renew our relationships with the Eternal One and with one another.
We have prepared a variety of opportunities to engage in reflection, learning and growth at this extraordinary time.
Copies of the wonderful book Opening Your Heart with Psalm 27: A Spiritual Practice for the Jewish New Year are available as our gift to you for pick up at Temple. We would love to see you and say hello when you stop by! You will find that this beautiful volume provides insights and wisdom for this season. A navigation guide is available for those who wish a more directed practice.
Rabbi Gavi Ruit’s class “Preparing to Be Transformed” begins next Thursday. Join her for guided text study to access greater meaning during this high holiday season.
Additional digital resources abound including this“Hineni” reflection tool from the Reform Movement and a perennial favorite "Jewels of Elul".
May the love that is inherent in the essence of the month of Elul sustain and nourish us so we may find the courage to greet the New Year with hope and possibility in our hearts.
H. Jack Feibelman Archie Finkle Samuel Granoff Farrel Jaffa Sloan Myles Jaffa Henrietta Leonard Maxwell Mann Joan Adler Mark Sheila G. Miller Faye Rozovsky Joseph Shaw Alvin Stallman Florence Tilles
YIZKOR ELOHIM The Congregation joins in mourning the death of
Saralee Weiss Sylvia Bloomberg Sanford Coren Samuel Jack Brenner Raymond Maccarone Evelyn Helen Saltzman David Tobias Eileen Parker
UPCOMING EVENTS
Please click on flyers below for more information!
Book of Memory Deadline is September 4 If you have not submitted your Book of Memory form click the picture to download the form. Deadline is September 4.
If you have any question call or email Jenn Thomas. 401-331-6070 jthomas@temple-beth-el-org
We will be sending out books to anyone who inscribed the names of their loved ones.
j
Preparing to be Transformed - High Holy Days Preparation Thursdays August 27 September, 3, 10 & 17 4:00 PM
