Tag: Elul

When the Holidays Are Hard

Everyone celebrates Rosh Hashanah differently, but sometimes, the holidays are hard. What can we do when this is true?

Rabbi Lauren Tuchman September 11, 2023 Elul Holidays

5 Kavanot for Elul

Here are 5 kavanot, intentions, for the days and weeks of Elul, approaching the Holy Days. This includes poems, books, and self-reflection.

Rabbi Ilana C. Garber, Adam Berkowitz August 17, 2023 Elul High Holidays

What Am I Afraid Of?

As we continue the work of Elul, examining the words of Psalm 27 can teach us about going beyond the inner voices and what we ...

Rabbi Dr. J.B. Sacks August 17, 2023 Elul High Holidays

Celebrating the High Holy Days From Home

Celebrating the high holy days from home gives us ample opportunity to bring the sacred even further into our lives.

Rabbi Sydni Adler Rubinstein August 13, 2023 Elul High Holidays

Hoshana Rabbah

Although the fifth intermediate day of Sukkot is known as Hoshana Rabbah, it is technically just the last day of ḥol ha-mo·eid.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) October 28, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

5 Myths about T’shuvah

Five myths that we tell ourselves about t'shuvah that keep us from doing it skillfully or doing it at all.

Rabbi Kerry Chaplin September 19, 2022 Elul High Holidays

What to Read to Prepare for the High Holidays this Year

Rabbi Mordechai Rackover recommends these reads to help you prepare for the themes, liturgy, and spirit of the High Holidays.

Rabbi Mordechai Rackover September 16, 2022 Elul High Holidays

Why Do We Ask for Forgiveness in Elul?

Asking for forgiveness not only cultivates empathy and humility, but it provides an opportunity for renewal.

Emily Jaeger September 7, 2022 Elul High Holidays

Elul’s Shofar: A Poem

Elul's shofar blasts daily remind us of all we need to do to prepare spiritually for the upcoming holidays and the start of the new ...

Rabbi Suzanne Brody September 1, 2022 Elul High Holidays

How do I observe Selichot?

It is said that Selichot opens the gates of heaven for the High Holy Days. This Selichot, do what opens your heart to the gates ...

Rabbi Kerry Chaplin August 30, 2022 Elul High Holidays

What are Selichot?

Selichot are special prayers recited in anticipation of the High Holidays introducing us to the themes of the upcoming holidays.

The Observant Life (Book), Rabbi Alan Lucas August 21, 2022 Elul High Holidays

Non-Ritual Ways of Preparing in Elul

There are many ways to spiritually prepare in Elul for the Yamim Nora'im, the Days of Awe, also known as the High Holidays.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) August 19, 2022 Elul High Holidays

Rituals and Prayers Recited in the Month of Elul

Rituals and Prayers Recited in Elul

The ritual preparations for the High Holidays begin a full month in advance with the onset of the month of Elul.

The Observant Life (Book), Rabbi Alan Lucas August 19, 2022 Elul High Holidays

Seliḥot: What do we recite?

Seliḥot, a series of penitential prayers, are recited in anticipation of Rosh Hashanah and the Days of Repentance. Here's what to recite.

Rabbi Miles B. Cohen, Leslie Rubin August 16, 2022 Elul High Holidays