Throughout the month of Elul, we are charged with the holy task of heshbon hanefesh—introspection or self-examination. While there are many worthwhile reasons to engage in this process, tradition emphasizes that one of the reasons we are instructed to engage in heshbon hanefesh is so we can identify negative action choices we might have made over the past year. In meditating on the choices we have made, we are meditating on who we have been over the past year. Our task does not end there however. In taking the next step and thinking about what choices we would aspire to make in the future, we are creating a vision of who and how we would like to be in the world.

In Hilchot Teshuvah Maimonides teaches us that we will know that we will have completed our teshuvah—return/repentence—when we are confronted with an opportunity to repeat a “sin” we have committed in the past, and we make a different choice instead.

Maimonides and tradition clearly emphasize a direct relationship between the month of Elul, the month that preceeds the Yamim Noraim,—the Days of Awe—the High Holidays and the months that follow.

Our religious rituals are at risk of becoming meaningless for us if they are not relevant to our lives and if they do not harbor the potential for direct impact on our lives. Any analysis of the rituals of Yom Kippur will show that these rituals are expected to be, not only relevant and directly applicable to our lives but, actually essential for enhancing the quality of our lives.

Perhaps this year on Yom Kippur we might take some time to think about the concrete changes we will attempt to make in our speech or actions for the upcoming year. According to Maimonides, ensuring that we behave differently next year is the way we will know that our teshuvah “worked.” Even though we may make “new year’s resolutions” every year (and sometimes we even make the same resolutions every year) let this year be the year that we actually effect those changes. Our tradition demands nothing less from us and it is our task as Reconstructionists to be constantly exploring possible ways for our ancient rituals can be meaningful and relevant for us today.

I wish for us all a meaningful High Holiday season and a meaningful and easy fast.

B’Shalom,
Rabbi Darby