While we often think about Elul as a time of preparation for the New Year, Rosh Chodesh Elul is a new year itself, one of four listed in Mishna Rosh Hashanah. Along with Tishrei and Nissan, we mark Tu B’shvat as the new year for trees and plants, and Rosh Chodesh Elul as the new year for tithing animals. It is also the time of year that begins our period of reflection as we spiritually prepare for Rosh Hashanah. We mark this month with the sounds of the shofar, daily reading of selichot for Sephardim, and mental and physical preparations for the many celebrations of Tishrei.
Elul has been expounded as an acronym for Ani Le’Dodi V’Dodi Li, meaning “I am my beloved and my beloved is mine.” Elul is a time to examine and think seriously about ourselves and our relationships with others before we stand before God on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. In its original form, Rosh Chodesh Elul was a time to ensure a proper accounting of our livestock, and determining what was ours to use and what was to be given to God. Elul demands that we think beyond our daily conceptions of ownership, and acknowledge that what we own does not belong solely to us.
In our interpersonal relationships, we similarly need to understand that we have a shared responsibility to care for the needs of others, and to help bring them honor, respect, and joy. Our relationship with God and with others are meant to be ones of holy mutuality.
This kind of community and these kinds of supportive relationships are what we all want for ourselves, our families, and our communities. While the month of Elul is a time for us to heighten our connection to God, to truly embody the essence of Ani L’dodi v’Dodi Li, we must take just as much care for the mitzvot bein adam lechavero. We must each be committed to caring for one another. In this spirit, let us all commit this month to doing everything we can to make space for every member of our community, including those who are LGBTQ+.
If you are looking for a Welcoming Shul to spend the Yamim Noraim with, please reach out so we can help you find the right community for you. Contact sunnie@eshelonline.org to learn more.
Dr. Sunnie Sterling Epstein