There are many ways to "get into the spirit" including; creating a list of all of the "things" about ourselves we want to shed, reciting the traditional liturgy (Psalm 27 for Elul), identifying/naming the people we have harmed and fulfilling the mitzvah of asking for forgiveness, fulfilling the mitzvah of forgiving others and also sitting quietly in an attempt to have the mind be still.
Elul, spelled "aleph lamed fav lamed", is also an acronym for "Ani Ledodi V'dodi Li" - I am my beloved and my beloved is (to) me. This will be the focus of today's "Little Torah".
This is the season of repentance, turning inward. It's a season of looking closely at the person we have been over the past year and acknowledging where we have succeeded and where we have fallen short. Where we have been our best selves, elevating honors in dignity and compassion. Where we have missed the mark, causing harm and pain. When it's done right, it's not an easy time. Facing the truth about ourselves can be unpleasant and even scary. "Was that really me?" "Did I really do that?" Forgiving ourselves, forgiving others are incredibly difficult. For some reason detail and holding onto anger seem to be the usual trend.
And, what if this year we turn to ELUL - we turn to the beloved - that which is loving, tender and compassionate within each of us and around each of us. What if we relied on the fact that we are held in a continuous state of beloved-ness? What if we relied on the fact that Adonai, God, Holy Spirit, Supreme Energy, INSERT YOUR IDEA HERE, is in a continuous state of holding us in love so we can face the truth of ourselves and be able to forgive ourselves and also forgive others.
And, what if we are that beloved for someone else? What if our love and compassion for the other can enable that person to forgive themselves and forgive others? The Beatles wrote "All you need is love. Love is all you need." To many, they were rabbis - teachers of life. I think they were on to something here.
What if we understand "Ani Ledodi V'dodi Li" as; I will be a beloved to someone else and I know that someone will be a beloved to me? Could this understanding change the nature of how we enter into a process of self reflection and how we hold ourselves in front of the other when we are asking for forgiveness and when he/she is asking us for forgiveness?
Mekor HaChayiim, Source of Life, as we move into this last Shabbat before the month of ELUL begins, let us take time to sit in our own beloved - ness. Let us reflect on the power we each have to love, to show compassion, to be caring and kind. Let us reflect on the love, compassion, kindness and care that has been given to us by so many. Let us use all of this power to engage in a process of true self reflection so that we may enter the New Year, 5776 with a renewed sense of self and determination to do what we can to create a world that is flowing with kindness, compassion and peace.
Shabbat shalom u'mevorach,
Laurie
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