Rabbi Lana writes:

We are in the third week of the month of Elul. In two weeks, we will enter the new Jewish Year – 5784. What will it be like? What is our part in making it the best year possible?

While we might think of this period of repentance as one that should begin with reflection on the past, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks (z”l), of blessed memory, the former chief Rabbi of England, teaches us that in order to mend the past, first you have to secure the future. In other words, how can we create a plan during this Elul to be and feel the way we most want by next Elul? 

Rosh Hashanah is not just any other New Year’s celebration. It is a moment of reflection. It is also an opportunity to dream, to envision, to create! During this Elul, we can reflect on the thoughts we are thinking, the words we are using, and the actions we are usually taking because our thoughts create our words that are translated into actions. Thoughts create reality. Words have meaning. Our actions hold us accountable. Use this opportunity of Elul to redesign your thoughts, clean up your words, and fill them with proper meaning and intentions so your actions in the new year will reflect the best version of yourself.

Be Joyful!
Whenever your mind feels clogged or when you feel stuck, do something that will bring you joy. Joyfulness frees up the mind, as it is written by the prophet Isaiah 55:12: With gladness shall you go out. Through joy, we are made free and can go out from whatever is keeping us stuck. Make sure that every single day, you are mindful to do something joyful. When you feel joyous, your mind is free to dream, to plan, and to envision. 

Dream Big; don’t sell yourself short. 
As preparation for the new year, ask yourself what are the things you always wanted to do and never had time for. Make a list; don’t wait. Make this year a year of your dreams. And, of course, don’t forget about the world, which always needs your help. So does your community and the important people in your life. 

Ask yourself: What communities have I built for myself? What do I need from the community, and how can I offer the best of myself to my community?

I am so excited to join the Or Ami community this year and make it the best year possible for myself, my family, my loved ones, my community, and the world. I hope you feel the same for yourself, and if something is lacking, there is still time to work on it and repair it. 

Rabbi Tamar Duvdevani, an Israeli Reform Rabbi, composed this beautiful benediction for journeys and new beginnings: 

Allow my feet to walk towards the place my heart loves
And open up my heart to love the place my feet walk to.

Let’s ensure that next Elul, we will look back on this Elul, and our hearts will love the places we walked to. May will feel happy and content with the year we were able to create.