A Water from the Well blog post,
Written by Rabba Kaya Stern-Kaufman
Dear friends,
Elul is the name of the Hebrew month that precedes Rosh Hashanah. It is a time for cheshbon ha-nefesh or “soul accounting” – looking inward and reflecting on the year that has passed. Our tradition offers us this intentional time to prepare for the new year, so that we may enter fully into the High Holidays and seize the opportunity for growth, healing and change.
The big idea of the season is teshuvah — “returning” in every sense; returning to our truths, to each other, to core values, to your soul and the Divine essence within. Below is a curated list of spiritual resources for this month of Elul. Click on the title to be taken to the relevant website, Zoom call, or registration link.
Let’s explore the jewels of our tradition.
With blessings,
Rabba Kaya
Jewels of Elul
Receive an inspirational insight in your inbox each day in preparation for the High Holidays. Whether in song, video or written word, Jewels provide a moment to reflect on our past, present and future.
30 Minutes, 29 Middot With Rabbi Robin Nafshi
8:30 am each day in Elul, Aug. 28 Through Sept. 25
Join Rabbi Robin Nafshi of Temple Beth Jacob in Concord, New Hampshire to discuss 29 different soul-qualities and some questions associated with them, based on this guide published in 2016 by Central Synagogue in New York. The link above is the Zoom Link for the classes that will be live at 8:30am each morning.
Awaken: Essential Jewish Mindfulness
Institute for Jewish Spirituality – Rabbi Sam Feinsmith, Rebecca Schisler, and Michal Fox Smart
1:30-2:45 pm Tuesdays, Sept. 6, 13, and 20 and Wed., Sept. 28
Are you curious about Jewish spirituality and practice — what they are, and how they might benefit you? Prepare yourself for the Jewish New Year by joining the Institute for Jewish Spirituality in a brand-new introductory program for those who would like to dip their toes into the nurturing and generative waters of Jewish spirituality.
The Creative Process of Teshuvah
Jewish Studio Project – Rabbi Bec Richman
4 Sundays from 12:00-1:30 pm beginning August 28
Teshuvah itself is inherently creative, encouraging us to pause, reflect, and reimagine. Over the course of four consecutive sessions, we’ll explore the power of art-making in the process of teshuvah, gaining a tool for the spiritual work both in and beyond the High Holiday season. Come to one session or all four, no prior experience necessary.
Morning, Afternoon, and Evening Weekly Classes from the Hadar Institute
Elul Virtual Beit Midrash: A variety of online classes on the subject of Teshuvah-Repentance taught by the exceptional teachers of the Hadar Institute.
