A Spiritual Wake-Up Call

In the Jewish faith tradition, the last week in August and the weeks leading up to the High Holidays the last in September is the month of Elul in the Jewish calendar. Traditionally, it is a month of reflection leading up to the observances of Rosh Hashanah, the celebration of the New Year; Yom Kippur, the fast day; and Sukkot, one of the harvest festivals.

For me this month is a big reminder and one of reflection. It’s a reminder that I need to take stock in what has happened the past eleven months. What were the things that I did well; where did I fall short? Did I offend someone unintentionally? What did I forget? To answer these questions often times requires some ‘down time’. To find time to relax or to slow down, to give the body and mind some space to heal from the stresses of the day, is so important anytime of the year and is essential at this time.

During this month of refection, I find it important to reconnect with friends that I have not talked to in months. I am reminded that friendship and community binds us as social beings; it is that sense of belonging that brings love, healing and commitment to the vibrancy of our lives, even when we are confronted with challenges. For me it is a time to also look forward. One of my favorite activities during the High Holidays is to blow the shofar. This is usually a ram’s horn with a deep, sonorous sound. Every year I take some time during the month of Elul to practice. There are several times during all of the services where the shofar is sounded. It’s like a wake-up call. It reminds us to pay attention!

In some ways it calls for us to be intentional with our thoughts, prayers, and actions. So, in the spirit of preparation as found in the Jewish faith tradition, I invite you to reflect upon ways in which you can be more intentional in your relationships and in your communities of caring and sharing. What ways will you provide comfort and well-being to yourself and to others? How will the next seasons of fall and winter bring you joy, comfort and celebrations? We have many faith traditions in our AAIC geographic area. May we all find ways to be together in peace.

Sharon Friedman is a long time member of Congregation Agudas Achim in Attleboro and she has served on the AAIC Board of Directors for a number of years. The shofar pictured is one that Sharon made from a ram’s horn that she got from a heritage sheep farm in the Berkshires.