The Past, Present and Future in Elul

Each month, as I turn a new page of the calendar, I consider what needs to
be done over the coming weeks. I plan my meetings, insert calls into my Outlook
calendar and worry about my schedule.

When it comes to New Years Day, I have a different approach. I map what I
want to accomplish in the coming year. I jot a big wish list and hope that my
macro goals will be achieved over the course of the coming months.

Conversely, on my birthday I look backwards rather than forward.
While I mark a new year of life I reflect upon my past year and where I am. I
incorporate decisions that I made and whether those need to be reaffirmed or
corrected in the year ahead.

Of course, I try to celebrate each milestone. The birthday, the new year,
and yes, even the new month. Each is a cause for celebration in its own way.

The Hebrew month of Elul brings these thoughts together like no other. While
it’s not yet the Jewish New Year, the countdown clock commences with its arrival.
These days affords us the time to plan for the holidays and to reflect upon our
actions as we ready ourselves to celebrate the upcoming month of holy days in
Tishrei.

Elul binds the personal and spiritual. It is a month when we truly
internalize that the success of our man-made plans and goals will be decided by
Gd. We prepare for a month of intense prayers and celebration with mindful contemplation.

Jews normally wish people a “meaningful fast” during solemn fast days but
it seems appropriate to wish people “a meaningful month” as we forge
our past, present and future together – the very meaning of prayer to Gd.