Elul Reflection for 5785
- Congregation Kol Ami
- Aug 23
- 2 min read
Elul begins tonight. In just four weeks, we will gather for Rosh Hashanah, to welcome the new year of 5786.
We live at once in secular time and in Jewish time. Tonight, we begin to orient ourselves toward the spiritual and communal opportunities of this season. Elul calls us to teshuva—to turn, to change direction, to return to our truest selves and to goodness.
This is the gift of this season: another chance. Another chance to shift our energies to a better place. To acknowledge that we can do better. For clearly, the world is not as it should be. People are at each other’s throats. The planet is sick and wounded. And yet—I firmly believe there is enough for us all. I believe peace is a true possibility, if we have the courage to change course.
Some may not care about the future of humanity or the earth, but we do. As Jews, our purpose is not in the afterlife, but here and now. Our task is to make the world better for the generations to come, guided by mitzvot, Torah, and the wisdom of our ancestors and teachers, ancient and modern. We are here to glean wisdom about how to live as true mensches—human beings who reflect Divine love and compassion.
The year 5786 will surely bring both the good and the bad, as every year does. But for all who are touched by kindness, compassion, patience, and the willingness to share in each other’s suffering—the new year will also bring healing. Tikkun Olam. Step by steo. Smile by smile. Protest by protest. Hand in hand. In the still small places in our hearts: we begin again.
Elul begins tonight. Thirty days until the new year. Let us begin.
Many blessings and I look forward to seeing you at the new year or before!
B’Shalom,
Rabbi Kinberg
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