At least once each day most of us look at our reflection in the mirror. Based upon what we see we might adjust a shirt, add an extra bit of blush, straighten a tie or remove a loose thread. We reflect, take action to improve, and move forward. After years of practice, this quick check is just part of our routine.
The moment also offers a time for deeper reflection. “Yeah! My strength training is really making a difference in my muscle tone.” “These pants look a bit tight; I’d better stop the late night dishes of ice cream.” Like the quick removal of a thread, these reflections call us to take action. Yet, unlike the quick adjustment of a tie, turning this “call” into sustained action will take planning and an intentional focus on changes of habit.
Jewish tradition teaches that we should regularly look into the mirror of our lives, assessing our actions. When they don’t seem to be in alignment with the image we hold of ourselves, we have the opportunity for t’shuvah, returning to the direction we’d like to take by apologizing for missteps and planning for a different way of interacting in the world as we move forward.
Just as anyone who has committed to working out or dieting knows, it is hard to sustain difficult habits. We all need reminders and time to enact our commitments. This month – the Jewish month of Elul – provides us with both.
From the start of this month the sound of the shofar is heard in weekday services. As we move towards the High Holy Days, this month affords us the time to look in the mirror and consider our actions over the past year. Have we acted B’tzelem Eloheim (in G-d’s image) as G-d’s partners on this earth? If not, what needs to change? How can we change our environment and set reminders for ourselves to change our actions and reactions? What steps are needed to reach out and apologize to those who we might have (intentionally or unintentionally) hurt through by our words or actions? How can we ask for Divine support as we work to incorporate new, and perhaps uncomfortable, behaviors?
Elul gifts us with the focused reminder to reach toward all we want to be. We just need to reach out and embrace the opportunity.
When we do, we will enrich our lives and the lives of others far beyond what we can measure.
Wishing you a thoughtful Elul.
Prior to her position with the Grinspoon Foundation, Iris served as a synagogue educator in Syracuse NY, the Central New York PJ Library Program Coordinator and as a national consultant for PJ Library.
Iris holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education, a master’s degree in Special Education and Reading, and Advanced Certification in School Leadership and Administration. Her experience as a secular educator and educational leader in congregational and community settings spans over 20 years. She is also a lay leader in Jewish organizations on the local and national levels. Iris served as the President of CAJE – the Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education, which was the largest member organization for Jewish educators in the country.
- May My (and Your) Yom Kippur Be Filled Meaning - October 3, 2014
- We All Are Standing Here.. Now What Will You Do? - September 19, 2014
- ‘Tis the Season of Transitions - September 12, 2014