Elul is an all encompassing time in the Jewish calendar. It is a time that is meant for preparation for the upcoming High Holiday season. It also coincides with the Deuteronomy portions of the Torah cycle that emphasize the blessings and curses of the Law. This is a time to consider our lives, actions, and relationships in a very serious way as we approach the Days of Awe.
Elul is also found, in the Northern Hemisphere, during the final lazy days of summer. A time when you get in those last few beach or lake trips before the bustle of back-to-school season, fall weather, & when football takes shape. Growing up near the
beautiful beaches of Long Island, I always found more time to go to the beach during late August than early June.
It is ironic that we often find ourselves clinging to things more tightly when we know they are finite. An all-weekend beach vacation before the season ends on Labor Day is one example. We flock to our favorite restaurant, store, or coffee shop that is known to be closing.
Read the full article here: Issue 50