I am so excited to be back at the synagogue and that we have started the month of Elul.

As the month that precedes Rosh Hashanah and the Yamim Noraim, Elul is a time of deep reflection. We look back at the year that has passed and begin the difficult and redemptive work of tshuvah. We also look forward to the year ahead and feel gratitude for the many blessings that we hope to carry from 5782 into 5783.

This reflection can deepen our relationship with the divine. Many have pointed out that the letters of the month of Elul– aleph, lamed, vav, lamed–are the first letters of the words “Ani l’dodi v’dodi li” which means “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.” These beautiful words from Shir HaShirim 6:3 are not only evocative in their romantic, and perhaps erotic, human context in the Song of Songs, they are often seen as a metaphor for the relationship between humans and the divine. They can be read as longing, loving, submission, balance, confidence, and exclusivity. They can have different meanings at different moments. They challenge us to find our own words as we seek the divine.

The month of Elul has different meanings at different moments, too. For some of us it is a time of intensive preparation not just for the spiritual work of the Days of Awe, but for the privilege of facilitating the worship services themselves. I invite you to join that awesome group. If you feel confident or if you feel very nervous about chanting Torah, having an aliyah, leading the community in prayer, ushering, or greeting our sacred community, this is a tremendous opportunity. Please let me know how you would like to be part of the team.

There are also multiple wonderful opportunities for reflection in Elul with our larger Metro Detroit community. Please check out the study sessions in Awake You Sleepers! on September 8 (and RSVP) and please join us for S’lichot on September 17. And of course, we look forward to being with you each Shabbat of this amazing month.

I am looking forward to seeing you on Rosh Hashanah and in the days leading up to it. May our reflection prepare us for a sweet and meaningful new year.