The month of Elul which precedes the High Holy Days presents a daily opportunity to review how we live our lives in order to acknowledge when we missed the mark, repent, and change our ways.
Each day, you will receive a brief quote from our Machzor (HHD prayer book) with a related question.
We hope that it will help prepare you for the New Year.
| Date | Question for Reflection | Gates of Repentance |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 Av Fri-Sat 31-Aug |
Rosh Chodesh Elul, Day 1
Let us proclaim the sacred power of this day. What about Rosh HaShanah & Yom Kippur is sacred to you? |
107 |  |
| 1 Elul Sat-Sun 1-Sep |
Rosh Chodesh Elul, Day 2
This is the day of the world’s birth. How will you celebrate God’s creation? |
143 |  |
| 2 Elul Sun-Mon 2-Sep |
Our Father, Our King, hear our voice.
To what do I need to give words? |
40 |  |
| 3 Elul Mon-Tues 3-Sep |
We are Your people You are our King.
What metaphor best describes your relationship with God? |
279 |  |
| 4 Elul Tues-Wed 4-Sep |
You stand this day, all of you, before the Lord your God…to enter into the sworn covenant.
From across the ages, next to whom are you standing? |
343 |  |
| 5 Elul Wed-Thurs 5-Sep |
Awake, you sleepers, from your sleep!
In what way are you asleep? |
139 |  |
| 6 Elul Thurs-Fri 6-Sep |
Life is s journey- a sacred pilgrimage.
How are you making your life sacred? |
283 |  |
| 7 Elul Fri-Sat 7-Sep |
How greatly God must have loved us to create us in the image of God; yet even greater love did God show us in making us conscious that we are created in the divine image.
How do you express, that we are all loved and connected as One? |
4 |  |
| 8 Elul Sat-Sun 8-Sep |
May the pains of past bereavements…be transformed into…tenderness to those who are still with us.
To whom should you be more compassionate? |
488 |  |
| 9 Elul Sun-Mon 9-Sep |
When you have joys we yearn to share, we remember them.
Share your joy with someone today. |
491 |  |
| 10 Elul Mon-Tues 10-Sep |
There came a time when God put Abraham to the test.
Have you ever felt tested by God? |
125 |  |
| 11 Elul Tues-Wed 11-Sep |
Jonah started out to flee…from the service of Adonai.
Have you ever tried to flee from God? |
457 |  |
| 12 Elul Wed-Thurs 12-Sep |
Grant us Peace, your most precious gift, O Eternal source of peace.
In what area of your life to you most need peace? |
498 |  |
| 13 Elul Thurs-Fri 13-Sep |
I have taken an oath, to remember it all.
What do you feel obligated to remember? |
432 |  |
| 14 Elul Fri-Sat 14-Sep |
Let your friend know that wrong actions are self-inflicted hurts, but speak softly and gently, making it clear that you speak only because of your concern for your friend’s well-being. (Maimonides)
Have you befriended yourself compassionately? |
9 |  |
| 15 Elul Sat-Sun 15-Sep |
For all these (sins) O God of mercy, forgive us, pardon us, grant us atonement.
What are my sins? |
271 |  |
| 16 Elul Sun-Mon 16-Sep |
And Adonai said: I have pardoned in response to your plea.
How do you experience God’s pardon? |
253 |  |
| 17 Elul Mon-Tues 17-Sep |
Inscribe us in the Book of Life.
Next to whose name(s) would you like yours to be inscribed? |
260 |  |
| 18 Elul Tues-Wed 18-Sep |
Light is sown for the righteous.
How bright is my light? |
251 |  |
| 19 Elul Wed-Thurs 19-Sep |
Who may dwell in Your holy mountain? Those…who speak the truth within their hearts.
In what ways are you not being honest with yourself? |
82 |  |
| 20 Elul Thurs-Fri 20-Sep |
Help us to return to You, Adonai, then truly shall we return.
To what do I long to return? |
155 |  |
| 21 Elul Fri-Sat 21-Sep |
Hear, O Israel; the Lord is our God, the Lord is One.
What can you do to bring oneness/unity to your world? |
56 |  |
| 22 Elul Sat-Sun 22-Sep |
They are our past as we are their future.
What are you doing to ensure the strength of your link in this chain? |
61 |  |
| 23 Elul Sun-Mon 23-Sep |
Do not imagine that character is determined at birth. We have been given free will We ourselves decide… (Maimonides)
How will you grow in this coming year? Will you seek help as needed? |
7 |  |
| 24 Elul Mon-Tues 24-Sep |
Remember us unto life. O King who delights in life…
Do you ‘delight in life’ as God does? |
30 |  |
| 25 Elul Tues-Wed 25-Sep |
…not in reliance upon the righteousness of our deeds do we place our longings before You; we look instead to Your abundant mercy.
How have you experienced God’s mercy in this past year? |
88 |  |
| 26 Elul Wed-Thurs 26-Sep |
Blessed is the one…who looks to You and finds courage.
In what areas does your courage need bolstered? |
145 |  |
| 27 Elul Thurs-Fri 27-Sep |
Blessed is the Eternal our God, who crowns Israel with glory.
How do you support and glorify Israel? |
86 |  |
| 28 Elul Fri-Sat 28-Sep |
Enter God’s gates with thanksgiving, God’s courts with praise.
How do you praise God and offer your thanksgiving? |
100 |  |
| 29 Elul Sat-Sun 29-Sep |
Erev Rosh HaShanah, 5780
You shall be holy, for I, Adonai Your God, am holy. How will you be holy in 5780? |
453 |  |
May 5780 be a year of inner peace,
peace in our community, and world peace.
With thanks for inspiration to: Jewels of Elul, Rabbi Debra Orenstein,
and respondents to 49 Days 49 Voices