Elul 5772 posting 2

"the horn blows to usher in Elul and it is blown every morning of the month of Elul as well, lest we forget and slip back, lest we surrender to the entropic pull of mindlessness. The Torah also stands ready to help keep us awarke."

The shofar calls to us, 'wake up, wake up'!

In what parts of your life since last Rosh Hashanah have you been sleeping through? In your personal life? Professionally? Spiritually? Religiously?

What can you use as an alarm clock in the next 30 days to ready yourself to stand amongst your community and God on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur?

How can you make your spiritual awakening a process - establishing steps on a path to help to make the holiness you want and need in your life a reality?

What type of Torah awakens you? Is it through prayer? Through study? What traditions can help wake you up to Rosh Hashanah's quick approach?

If you don't atttend services this month try purchasing a shofar and blowing it at home or print a picture of one and leave it next to your literal alarm clock for the month of Elul.

Awake, awake....Chodesh tov (A good month.)

Elul 5771 Day #1

"This time (of year Rosh Hashanah) comes from the language of change, from the language of renewal and this time is capable of making change to essential qualities of human beings" (Pri Ha'eretz as quoted by Netivot Shalom).

As you begin to consider the "newness" and change approaching in the New Year what essential parts of yourself are you most proud of? What essential qualities do you want to change or adjust in some way?

Take a moment to think about 30 days. 30 days to the approaching shift in our season, 30 days toward moving towards newness, a literal chance at renewal and change. How will you prepare for the shifting season? How will you allow the power of the season help you to renew and change?