Elul Reflection - 9.9.23 - Cantor Wolman

High Holy Days 2023/5784

Every year we approach the High Holy Days anticipating the sounds of this season. We anticipate the blast of the shofar, the melodies for Avinu Malkeinu sung by our wonderful Adult & Youth Choirs, the sounds of crisp apples being chopped, and gleeful chatter of close friends reuniting after a long summer.


In our ונתנה תוקף (Un’taneh Tokef) prayer, we are called to be present and hear the contrasting sounds of the shofar and a קול דממה דקה, a still, small voice. Finding moments of contrast between immersion in sound and withdrawal to quiet places are part of the balance that gives our days meaning.


This year, I ask you to take an extra moment to seek out this contrast. Upon leaving an active space, take a moment to seek out and dwell in silence. Notice the break you give your brain when it is no longer analyzing every day sounds. What do you hear instead? Perhaps it will be the still, small voice. 


Shanah tovah,
Cantor Wolman