Monday, August 9, 2021. This morning the marsh was aflower, yellow and white and many shades of pink, a bounteous display. In the middle east, now and in Biblical times, and elsewhere in our country and the world, the month of Elul comes as the summer’s heat wears on, parching cities, forests and grasslands. However, here in the Great Lakes we’ve had an abundance of water, and benefit from cool evenings under the influence of Lake Erie. It is not hard to feel blessed in the lush abundance of nature.
In this Jewish month, our hearts recover from the devastation of Av, and turn inward, making an “accounting of our souls” – considering our thoughts and actions over the past year. Who were we, and who do we want to become? Where did we fall short of our own aspirations for the care of others and our world – and where were we successful, and why? Elul begins this journey of examination, preparing us for the coming High Holy Days.
Linda led our dvar introduction for meditation this month, and brought for us a lovely summary of Rav Kook’s ideas about the Rosh Chodesh prayer.[1] The Rosh Chodesh prayer, which we recite each month in the synagogue, and also after our meditation walk, contains a petition to G-d, asking for
“…a long life, a life of peace, a life of good, a life of blessing, a life of sustenance, a life of [physical vitality] (vigor of the bones), a life in which there is fear of sin, a life free from shame and embarrassment, a life of riches and honor, a life in which we may be filled with love of Torah and awe of Heaven, a life in which You will fulfill all of our hearts’ desires for good.” [2]
On the surface, these can seem to be very worldly requests, focused on our own physical, material and social well-being. However, in Rav Kook’s interpretation, what we are really asking for is goodness in our Selves, peace and blessing in that goodness, the spiritual benefits that come to us from doing good, and the bodily health and strength to continue on in a life of doing for others. What better way to start the month of Elul than to set such a high standard for ourselves – against which to measure our year, and make commitments for the year to come. May we all have a meaningful Elul! — Kirby
We will honor the Full Moon of Elul on Sunday morning, August 22. Our next Rosh Chodesh walking meditation will be Rosh Chodesh Tishrei, Rosh Hashanah, Tuesday morning, September 7. Both meetups are at 7:30 am. Social distancing will be observed. Contact us for location.
[1] Rabbi Chanan Morrison, Shabbat Mevarchim, on the commentary of Rav Abraham Isaac Kook. See http://ravkooktorah.org/ROSH-CHODESH-76.htm and
[2] See the Meditation Resources page for a copy of the prayer and blessings we recite at Rosh Chodesh.
Rosh Chodesh Cleveland 