As we approach the High Holy Days, the Hebrew month of Elul, which began last night, offers us a chance to hit the proverbial “pause” button, take a breath, and reset. Traditionally, Elul practices for High Holy Days focus on deep introspection, encouraging us to consider how our actions, words, and thoughts over the past year have aligned—or misaligned—with our values.
Here in St. Louis we have an opportunity to bring these ancient traditions into our modern lives. Rabbi Andrea Goldstein, Director of the Jewish Mindfulness Center of St. Louis, suggests that “Elul is a time for meaningful reflection, a chance to sit with our soul’s yearnings and begin the work of renewal.”
Inspired by her words via an email this morning, I’ve decided to embrace the spirit of Elul this year by trying out some of her recommended practices for the next 29 days.
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Daily Reflection through Psalm 27
Each day during Elul, I’ll be reading Psalm 27, a tradition embraced by many over the centuries. Goldstein suggests Rabbi Brant Rosen’s reinterpretation of this Psalm. I’ve created a link for you right here. If you’re looking for a more interactive experience there’s an app for that. Yes, the Central Conference of American Rabbis has created a Psalm 27 app that offers reflections, writing prompts and music. Now, that’s a modern twist on an ancient practice.
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Awakening with the Shofar
The sound of the shofar is a powerful wake-up call, urging us to shake off complacency and engage deeply with our spiritual lives. While I don’t have a shofar at home, I’ll be listening to it online each morning thanks to YouTube, hoping it sets the tone for a more mindful day.
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Creating Silence in a Noisy World
I’m a big believer in meditation so this one is no stretch. No matter if it’s simply sitting in stillness, stretching in my office or going for a walk, creating silence or a version of silence helps me connect to the quieter parts of my soul. Goldstein also hosts weekly meditation sessions during Elul, which focus on themes related to the High Holy Days. These take place over the next three Tuesday mornings for 30 minutes, beginning at 9 a.m. Or, you can join online (passcode: ewe82B).
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Engaging in Cheshbon Hanefesh
Cheshbon hanefesh, or the “accounting of the soul,” is a practice I’m particularly drawn to this year. I’ll be journaling my reflections daily and may even reach out to a trusted friend for deeper discussions. The Jewish Mindfulness Center of St. Louis offers a “Word by Word” daily email to help us get going. Each day during the month of Elul you will receive a brief email introducing you to one word connected to our spiritual preparations for the High Holy Days. I’ll try my best to share this journey with you in The Morning Light.
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Connecting with Loved Ones
Finally, I’ll be using this month to reconnect with loved ones. There are friends and family I haven’t reached out to in a while and Elul feels like the perfect time to send a text or make a call or dare I show up in person. Strengthening these connections feels just as vital as the personal reflection I’ll be doing.
So if you see me walking around St. Louis with a shofar in one hand, a journal in the other and mumbling Psalm 27 under my breath, don’t worry—I’m just embracing Elul. Or maybe I’ve just had one too many cups of coffee. Either way, let’s make this month count!
