Mishnah Berurah (581:1) teaches us that the Hebrew month of Elul (אלול) can be understood as an acronym for the oft-invoked line from Shir HaShirim, Song of Songs (6:3), Ani L’Dodi V’Dodi Li, “I am my Beloved’s, and my Beloved is mine.” This verse is often recited as part of Kabbalat Shabbat or in wedding ceremonies as an invocation of the duality of lovers’ consecration to one another. What is Elul’s connection to this romantic sentiment? Because, during the month of Elul, the Jewish people enjoy a special proximate relationship to the Eternal, like that of lovers. How else could we be vulnerable enough to do the necessary work of Teshuvah, spiritual return? It is only this special intimacy of Elul that allows us to approach the process of teshuvah with the open-heartedness necessary to make the requisite changes in our lives.
The Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schnear Zalman of Liadi, describes Elul as the time when ‘the Sovereign is in the field.’ Whereas usually one would have to bypass a number of obstacles in order to gain an audience with the Sovereign, during the month of Elul, these are stripped away so that anyone who is willing to go out to the field can approach and commune with the Eternal. Elul presents us with the opportunity for closeness to God, but not without our own commitment to the relationship. Just as lovers must mutually dedicate themselves to one another and rededicate themselves periodically as well; so too must we be willing to dedicate and rededicate ourselves to living ethical, meaningful, self-actualized lives in relationship with the Divine. We must be willing to go out to the field to meet God and to do the work. Shanah Tovah, Preston
Based upon the guidance of our Medical Advisory Committee, we have decided to cancel the meal part of the evening and only gather together for worship. We will be providing a delicious and special oneg treat, boxed to-go, for all of our attendees.
Join us as we gather together on the Julie Claire Gutterman Biblical Garden patio to greet Shabbat with song and stories, celebrate summer birthdays and enjoy a special oneg to-go!
Saturday, August 21, 2021 / 13 Elul 5781
9:00 AM
Torah Study
IN-PERSON ONLY
Torah Study will be held in Sanctuary Classrom 1, masked and socially distant. No food will be served.
YAHRZEITS Jules Aaron Kate Cohen Ronnie Einhorn Myer Miller Betty Presser Rachel Rakatansky Eileen Parker Stanley Smith Lenore Rakatansky Lawrence Hoffman Sherry Royall Gladys H. Jacober
Dr. Henry Gewirtz Janet Engelhart Gutterman Melvyn Blake Joan Adler Mark Bernie Levine Anna Cohen Haberman Herman Haberman Donald David Jaffa Jean Moverman Jaffa Sloan Myles Jaffa Farrel A. Jaffa
YIZKOR ELOHIM The Congregation joins in mourning the death of
Stacie Heller Cohen Jordan Lee Rice Charles Dress Madeline Blake
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Temple Beth-El 70 Orchard Ave Providence, RI 02906 401.331.6070
