DURING THE MONTH OF ELUL
DURING THE MONTH OF ELUL THE SHOFAR IS SOUNDED
We have now entered the Jewish month of Elul, putting the days of summer behind us and looking ahead to Rosh Hashana. Many Jews blow the shofar every morning and say an extra Psalm and prayers called “Selichot”. We all begin to prepare for the Yomim Noraim, the Days of Awe .
Some anticipate the High Holy Days with trepidation—yet, in our traditions, the month of Elul is characterized by love. ELUL is described as standing for the Hebrew phrase from the Song of Songs, "Ani L’Dodi V’Dodi Li"—these words begin with the Hebrew letters “aleph, lamed, vov, lamed”),"I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine”. This phrase emphasizes the nature of our relationship with G-d, one that is based in His love for us This is not a remote theoretical G-d, but a G-d who knows us and understands us, who knows our needs, our passions, our failings.
If that is so, why do many of our people believe we must be frightened—required to appease G-d through self-denial, penance, and discipline? It was paganism that kept us at the mercy of “random gods playing dice with humanity” not the G-d of the Bible. Our G-d commands repentance, and desires reconciliation with us.
Instead of preparing for Rosh Hashana by determining to enjoy G-d's world even more, do we assume that we will have to be even more restrictive? Consider that the Scriptures command only one fast day in the year. The dominant Biblical festivals are celebrations in which we are command to be joyful!
What encounter does the average Jewish person have today with Judaism? Only the pain! For the celebrations, most of our people do not darken the door of a shul. And most of our people only see their rabbi in much the same way as they see their dentist—no more than necessary and always expecting pain. Most Jews only encounter Judaism through the prism of misery.
Instead, we should see the goodness of G-d expressed in His great love for us!
“G-d so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in him might not perish but have eternal life”.
At Rosh Hashana, we anticipate the sounding of the shofar of G-d when Yeshua will return to rule and to reign from Jerusalem with all nations under his feet, and Israel at peace Yom Kippur celebrates G-d’s provision for reconciliation. Through these holy days we acknowledge our need for G-d, for what He has done for us—not with sorrow but with joy Now, during this month of Elul, a month of preparation—now is the time to rejoice, to take pleasure in our relationship with G-d and to look forward with anticipation to the coming Holy Days!
18th October 2008 Shabbat Sukkot – Threeways Community Centre
10:30am – UBMJC Sukkot Celebration
21st October 2008 Shemini/Atzaret/Simcha Torah – Threeways Community Centre
10:30am – Shemini/Atzaret/Simcha Torah Service
25th October 2008 Shabbat Bereshit – Threeways Community Centre
10:30am – Torah Service - Rabbi Dr Ruth Fleischer
