On Rosh Chodesh Elul, we heard the first shofar blasts setting the tone for this month of getting into a High Holiday mindset. It’s a time for introspection, improvement, and preparing to move forward.
What is our avodah at this time? What should our Jewish response be?
It has been an unprecedented year. Eleven months later, we are still living with the effects of October 7. Sometimes, it feels like nothing changes. Often, I am literally reading the same headlines day in and day out – “Israel bombs Lebanon,” “Hezbollah fires rockets at northern Israel,” “Hostage negotiations reach critical phase,” and “Protestors on campus support Hamas, block Jewish students.” There is, of course, good news as well. Babies have been born, couples get married, and Israel won more medals than ever at the Olympics.
As we reach the end of one year and the start of another, we must be more vigilant in showing and living our Jewish identities.
On Sunday morning, we woke up to the devastating news that six Israeli hostages were murdered by Hamas just days before IDF troops reached them.
Ori
Danino, age 25
Carmel Gat, age 40
Hersh Goldberg-Polin, age 23
Alexander Lobanov, age 32
Almog Sarusi, age 27
Eden Yerushalmi, age 24
For 331 days, we had prayed and demanded their safe return together with all the hostages. Every day, we mention their names, tell their stories, and watch their families heroically struggle for their release. In particular, the story of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an American citizen, has resonated deeply. Hersh became the face of all the hostages for many in the US as his parents, Rachel Goldberg and Jon Polin, crisscrossed the globe and spoke to anyone and everyone who would listen in a powerful and dignified manner. (I met with them at the end of October in the beginning of their crusade.)
On Sunday morning, so many of us felt broken and shattered.
On Sunday morning, hundreds celebrated the completion of a new Torah dedicated by the Linsenbaum family. It was a joyous affair as the Torah was danced through the streets. There was music and singing. There were flags for the children. We had Korn’s Torah Truck, the experts in Torah dedication accoutrements. Police kept the streets clear of traffic as the entire procession followed the new Torah to be greeted by the other Torahs in the Shul.
As the procession neared the synagogue. I saw an older member out for a walk. She is a Holocaust survivor. I ran over to watch some of the festivities with her, and I experienced a powerful moment of Jewish eternity: Standing with a survivor of the Shoah on the day six hostages were murdered, we are proudly and publicly celebrating a new Torah’s arrival in the streets surrounded by men, women, and children of all ages.
We all needed that moment.
How do we make the moment last?
The essence of the Torah dedication was proudly and joyously living and celebrating our Jewish identities. I suggest we strengthen our observance of mitzvot that express our Jewish identities and elevate our celebration of Judaism. Three mitzvot we can focus on are: mezuzah, tefillin, and Shabbat candles.
The Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (128) states: “Pious men are accustomed to examine their tefillin and mezuzot during this month; and wherever any defect may be found in other mitzvot, to repair it.” Shouldn’t we worry about our mezuzot and tefillin year-round? Why do we check them specifically during Elul? The answer is that the mezuzah and tefillin are symbols to the outside of Jewish identity and pride. Each year, as Rosh Hashanah approaches, we are encouraged to examine the state of our Jewish pride and make any repairs needed.
Now is the time to make sure the mezuzot in our homes are where they should be. Maybe we want a bigger mezuzah case outside to amplify our Jewish pride. It is also an appropriate time to make sure to have all the mezuzot needed for each doorway. If you need any, let me know, and we’ll make sure you have what you need.
Tefillin present a more personal opportunity to demonstrate Jewish identity and pride. Now is a good time to make sure the tefillin are kosher. Maybe they need to be fixed or adjusted. Maybe it’s time for a new pair. If you don’t have and want, let me know, and we’ll make sure you have what you need.
I believe lighting Shabbat candles is a mitzvah that can be compared to tefillin. They, too, are a symbol of Jewish identity, pride, and celebration. Shabbat is considered a sign of Jewish belief and observance. Lighting Shabbat candles bring that light into our homes. Candle lighting can be a family moment, and a chance to pray for so many things. We need more of the beauty contained in these lights in our homes and in our lives. Shabbat candles are easier than mezuzot or tefillin, but…If you don’t have and want, let me know, and we’ll make sure you have what you need.
Mezuzah, tefillin, and Shabbat candles are mitzvot that demonstrate Jewish pride and joy. We need more of these in our lives, and we can share these mitzvot with others.
Rachel Goldberg-Polin in her eulogy for Hersh asked for the strength to “help us rise again.” Even during dark moments, we look ahead to, once again, experiencing the light and the joy we know is ahead.
It is customary during Elul to start wishing each other a “shana tova,” a happy, healthy, sweet New Year. There is another traditional expression for the month of Elul”
Tichle shana v’kileloteha, tacheil shana u’virchoteha – May this year and its curses end so that a New Year with its blessings may begin.”
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