The month which precedes Rosh HaShanah is called Elul. Our sages teach us that the name “Elul” is really an acronym taken from four Hebrew words which can be found in a verse in Shir HaShirim, The Song of Songs, one of the most beautiful and inspiring books in the entire Tanakh. The four Hebrew words are “אֲנִ֤י לְדוֹדִי֙ וְדוֹדִ֣י לִ֔י” which means “I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine.”
In the month of Elul, we, the Jewish people, come closer in our relationship to G-d as we prepare for a new year. We blow the Shofar every morning (except for Shabbat) to remind us that Rosh HaShanah is coming and that it is a chance to begin anew. It is a time of forgiveness, a time for introspection and reflection, and a time to get closer to our friends and family. Additionally, it is a month of hope and love, as we reassess our priorities and make commitments to do better and to be better in our relationships with those around us.
I have always loved the fact that the Jewish New Year coincides with the new school year. The new school year, like our Jewish New Year, brings hope, excitement and anticipation. It is a time to rekindle friendships and to make new ones. It is also a time to begin relationships with new teachers. We begin our school year by making promises that we will make a commitment to doing our best and to being our best.
I am so excited to welcome you back to school in just a few short days! I know that this will be a wonderful year of learning and growing for our entire community!
May this time of new beginnings be one of awe and wonder for you and your families!
Shabbat Shalom U’Mevorach,
Moreh Alan
