Community at Temple Israel
Rabbi’s Message – August 17, 2023
Tomorrow, we enter into the month of Elul, the month preceding the High Holidays. It is considered an auspicious time, as God’s presence is thought to be closest to us. As we begin our work of teshuvah, return, we are reminded of a popular rabbinic teaching that describes Elul as when “the king is in the field.” Under normal circumstances, a fieldhand would never expect their highest ruler to come check on them in fields. The ruler would be surrounded by red tape and palace walls. But, when the ruler comes out to you, the ruler is accessible and eager to listen. So, too, with God.
In Isaiah 55:6 we are encouraged to seek God when God is near. This is an allusion to Elul and the coming month. While “the field” is a metaphor, it is also an appropriate place to begin. We need only to remember that God is here to meet us wherever we are. Sometimes, that may be in our sanctuary. Other times, it might be outside under the stars by the Miami River. It may even be at a bar, or in an Instagram post. When it comes to finding God, there are no walls and no limits.
You are invited to join me in seeking God in the field throughout the month of Elul. It’s time to begin our soul-searching and self-reflection, recommitting ourselves to our higher aspirations. Will you join me? In addition to our “So a Rabbi Walks into a Bar” event tonight and our beautiful musical Shabbat Under the Stars tomorrow, I encourage you to take a look at some of the resources available to spark personal spiritual growth during Elul. Some of my favorites include: #BlogElul and #Elulgram, Judaism Unbound, Jewels of Elul, and an Elul calendar with thoughtful prompts for everyday.
May this coming month provide us with many meaningful opportunities to prepare for the holiest time of the year.