Elul Reflection - 9.14.23 - Rabbi Koppell

We have blown the shofar. We have dwelled with Psalm 27. We have immersed ourselves in these Elul meditations. And now the journey culminates in the Yamim Noraim, in these Days of Awe, these awesome days, that are upon us.
Elul, the final month of the year, is often understood as an acronym:
א.ל.ו.ל-
אני לדודי ודודי לי
Ani L'Dodi v'Dodi Li - I am my beloved and my beloved is mine.


Who is this mysterious beloved to whom we feel such a deep connection?
My beloved could be God. This is the time of year when we feel a special closeness to the Holy One as we imagine God looking over our shoulder as we consider who we are and who we want to be.


Our beloved could be our family and friends, as we renew and repair the most meaningful relationships in our lives.
Our beloved could be our community. Seeing those about whom we care so deeply, whether in person or virtually, is one of the special joys of this season.
God, Relationships, Community- these are the things that create meaning in our lives. We belong to each other.


May this be a year of blessing in all of the relationships we hold most dear.


L'Shanah Tovah u'Metukah!
Rabbi Koppell