DJDS Student D'var Torah - Cooper, 10th Grade (Rosh Chodesh Elul)

By Cooper C., Denver JDS 10th Grader

 

Good morning DJDS, 

As we mark the beginning of Elul with the end of Rosh Chodesh Elul, we find ourselves in perhaps one of the most pivotal moments in the Jewish calendar. A time to prepare for Yom Kippur, the day of repentance in which you atone for your sins, and Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year and fresh start. 

In our day-to-day lives, it's easy to get caught up in routine and distractions. Think about how we often get lost in our busy schedules, whether it's juggling deadlines, school assignments, or family commitments. The month of Elul is a reminder to step back from that and take a look at what truly matters. It's a gentle nudge to refocus our attention from the hectic day-to-day life to the core values and relationships that define us. 

A common phrase you may often hear  is “Ani L'dodi V'dodi Li,” which translates to “I am my beloved and my beloved is mine.” This phrase symbolizes the deep love between God and the Jewish people. Interestingly, If you line up the first Hebrew letter of every word in the phrase it spells out elul. Elul is traditionally seen as a time for spiritual reflection, much like the relationship described in the phrase. 

However, I must admit that I’ve struggled with questions about God's existence and, at times, neglected Jewish holidays and their significance. However, Elul offers a different perspective. This month isn't solely about finding God but also about finding ourselves. By engaging in this process of self-discovery, we can forge a closer connection with both God and our community. This preparatory period is not just about the individual, but also about communal growth. 

As we embrace the spirit of Elul, we often encounter themes of repentance and self-reflection. These can sometimes lead to excessive self-criticism. While acknowledging our flaws is essential for personal growth, it's equally important to balance this self-criticism with self-compassion. Thus, Elul should be viewed not just as a period of harsh judgment but as an opportunity for positive change.

Elul serves as both a reminder and a preparatory period. It ensures that we are fully engaged in the process of renewal and accountability during the holidays. It’s not necessarily the time to judge yourself but rather to acquire that spiritual readiness for what is soon to come. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. 

This is also why we blow the shofar every weekday morning in Elul. It is, at least according to Maimonides, “a wake-up call.” It is a reminder to rise above your ego and selfishness, a time to humble yourself, all while being reminded of the upcoming Rosh Hashana. 

In alignment with this, Parshat Shoftim, this week’s Torah portion, includes the commandment: “According to the law that they will teach you, and the judgment they will instruct you, you shall do.” (Deuteronomy 17:11) This serves as a reminder that, just as the Torah instructs the Israelites to follow the teachings of the judges, Elul challenges us to hold ourselves to higher standards and live following our values and morals. 

Now is a time to ask yourself: Who am I truly and what changes do I need to make? 
Elul reminds us that change is always possible. That is also what is so special about this school. There is never a wrong time to discover who you really are, and who you really want to be, and no matter what, Elul always offers a fresh start. Now is the time to present the best version of ourselves. Show your integrity, show your purpose, and most importantly, show your ruach. 

Thank you and Rosh Chodesh Sameach