THE COUNTDOWN TO ROSH HASHANA
Thursday, September 25
Elul 25
Less than a week remains until Rosh Hashana, which is called "the birthday of the world." In fact, Rosh Hashana is the birthday of the first humans—Adam and Eve—who came into being on the sixth day of creation. This means that the first day of creation coincides with the 25th of Elul.
Today is the day in the Hebrew calendar which carries with it nothing less than the energy of the creation of existence—time, space, matter, darkness, and light. Today we begin preparing the world for its rendezvous with G-d on Rosh Hashana.
If thus far you have not taken full of advantage of the opportunities inherent in Elul to prepare for the High Holidays, the time to start is now. Preparation is essential for success in anything in life—be it material or spiritual, be it an audit of your taxes, or an audit of your soul.
Imagine yourself arriving in the reception room of a big corporation.
"Can I help you?" says the receptionist.
"Oh, I guess so," you answer yawning and surveying the ceiling.
The receptionist looks quizzically at you. "Well... why are you here?"
"I'm not exactly sure."
"Are you here to apply for a job, perhaps?"
"Yes I think that's it."
"Okay, did you bring a resume?"
You look at her feeling a little stupid. "No, I didn't bring anything."
"Well, then perhaps you can come back when you've prepared for this."
If you arrived at a big corporation that ill prepared, you'd expect nothing to happen. Similarly, if you arrive at a synagogue on Rosh Hashana without preparation, without knowing what you are there for, or what this is all about, what can you truly expect?
Moses was on the mountain for 80 days. You don't have to physically go to the mountain, but you have to climb. Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur will be only the sum total of what you do today.
Ask yourself: How well prepared are you for the High Holidays?
Exercise for the day:
- Identify the strengths and weaknesses in your preparatory work thus far.
- Recreate day one of creation, and bring a little light into your corner of the world.
Elul 25
Less than a week remains until Rosh Hashana, which is called "the birthday of the world." In fact, Rosh Hashana is the birthday of the first humans—Adam and Eve—who came into being on the sixth day of creation. This means that the first day of creation coincides with the 25th of Elul.
Today is the day in the Hebrew calendar which carries with it nothing less than the energy of the creation of existence—time, space, matter, darkness, and light. Today we begin preparing the world for its rendezvous with G-d on Rosh Hashana.
If thus far you have not taken full of advantage of the opportunities inherent in Elul to prepare for the High Holidays, the time to start is now. Preparation is essential for success in anything in life—be it material or spiritual, be it an audit of your taxes, or an audit of your soul.
Imagine yourself arriving in the reception room of a big corporation.
"Can I help you?" says the receptionist.
"Oh, I guess so," you answer yawning and surveying the ceiling.
The receptionist looks quizzically at you. "Well... why are you here?"
"I'm not exactly sure."
"Are you here to apply for a job, perhaps?"
"Yes I think that's it."
"Okay, did you bring a resume?"
You look at her feeling a little stupid. "No, I didn't bring anything."
"Well, then perhaps you can come back when you've prepared for this."
If you arrived at a big corporation that ill prepared, you'd expect nothing to happen. Similarly, if you arrive at a synagogue on Rosh Hashana without preparation, without knowing what you are there for, or what this is all about, what can you truly expect?
Moses was on the mountain for 80 days. You don't have to physically go to the mountain, but you have to climb. Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur will be only the sum total of what you do today.
Ask yourself: How well prepared are you for the High Holidays?
Exercise for the day:
- Identify the strengths and weaknesses in your preparatory work thus far.
- Recreate day one of creation, and bring a little light into your corner of the world.
posted by kurtiskabbalah at 12:27:00 PM
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