This is a practice for Elul and High Holy Days, but can also be utilized for the secular new year or any of Judaism’s four New Years. During the Elul and the High Holy days we tend to hear over and over that three things can “avert the harsh decree: prayer, repentance and tzedaka.” But…
Tag: Elul
Cattle: Symbol of Elul
Elul is a month of preparation for Rosh Hashanah — at least in modern Judaism. It’s interesting then, that the first of Elul is the “New Year of Cattle.” In ancient Israel it’s the time when the cattle were counted and tithed. Cows are mentioned from time-to-time in the Tanakh and other scripture — think about…
Elul: Rituals and Activities
Some practices and rituals to try out or adapt during the month of Elul.
Elul: Tarot Card: Hermit
In Av we explored the meaning of Strength. Now in Elul, we must find the strength to Journey alone. Elul is a month of private reflection and inward turning. We turn inward, so we are ready to stand in-front of our community at the Days of Awe and state our case to be written and…
Gad: Tribe of Elul
Gad (גָּד), the patriarch and tribe associated with the month of Elul (אֱלוּל), is the seventh son of Jacob. Seven is a lucky number in many cultures, Judaism included, and not only is he the seventh son, but he also fathers seven sons. He is of the line of Leah, through Zilpah. Gad’s name means “good fortune,”…
Elul / אֱלוּל
Moon of Making Space (August/September)In Elul … “we become hollow to see what we will create in the space we make. We do tzimtzum, self-contraction, in memory of the first moment of making.”~Rav Kohenet, Rabbi Jill Hammer via Telshmesh.org Want to share this? Use short link: https://bit.ly/devotaj-elul Basics Note: Letter, Tribe, and Sense are derived from…