BS’D
(Part II – cont’d from yesterday)
The Zohar, the mystical commentary of the Torah, teaches that we begin Elul feeling as though we are ‘back-to-back’ with G-d – that is, G-d is facing away from us and we are facing away from G-d. We feel displaced and confused over our relationship with our Creator. Yet, if we motivate ourselves to turn around 180 degrees, we discover that G-d is actually right there facing us! When we take the initiative this month to reconnect to our spiritual core and come closer to G-d, we actually find ourselves right next to Him!
We all inevitably become distracted and take detours along the path of life. Elul serves to redirect our compass, enabling us to reconnect with our inner selves and become rejuvenated. This road to self-discovery requires honest evaluation over our choices, and taking the initiative to make meaningful resolutions for change.
Some practical ways we can reconnect this month include:
- Thinking about our bond with G-d. Imagine a more intimate relationship and strive to feel His presence in each of our relationships and daily activities.
- Listening to the Shofar (ram’s horn) which is blown every day in Ashkenazi synagogues. What do we hear when the Shofar sounds? Do we ask ourselves: “What is holding me back? There is so much more I can be doing.
- Reciting Psalm 27 until the holiday of Sukkos. This Psalm depicts King David’s personal relationship with G-d. It declares his gratitude for all the goodness in his life and his hope and reliance on G-d’s compassion for the future.
With motivation, initiative and new meaningful resolutions, we can strive forward towards Rosh Hashanah, buoyed by the hope and excitement of re-discovering the new ‘ME’ just waiting to be born.
