September 2022

Like many of you, I find certain rituals very helpful during times of transition, such as taking pictures on the first day of school. The new school year inevitably coincides with the month of Elul. Personally, when the calendar turns to Elul, I have a series of books and articles that I tend to revisit for inspiration during this month of transition.

Recently, I added two new titles to review this time of year, the writings of Rav Yehuda Amital and Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein. I did not have the privilege of learning directly from either, though I did have the unforgettable honor of hearing them speak when I was much younger.

In 2018, students of Rabbi Lichtenstein adapted, transcribed and published a series of his essays on teshuva. The collection is titled Return and Renewal: Reflections of Teshuva and Spiritual Growth. 

Among the profound lessons expounded upon in this collection is the concept that once Hashem provides us with the opportunity to do teshuva, to better ourselves and return to HIm, that opportunity becomes an obligation. “The very existence of the opportunity (to do teshuva) imposes a fresh obligation.” Once teshuva is available to us, it is incumbent upon us to pursue it. Teshuva manifests itself both as a gift as an obligation. 

Many years ago, I was introduced to the writings of Bruce Felier. In his recent book Life is in the Transitions, he writes, “A lot of going through a life transition can feel like a slog…But somewhere along the way, something unexpected happens: The process starts to get inventive, imaginative, even buoyant…You start to revisit your story.” 

The expectations of this time of year can feel daunting. Often, it starts slowly and can feel like a slog. Yet if we experience any type of breakthrough, be it with family relationships or our connection with Hashem, that sense of buoyancy can carry us.

The new school year reflects that sense of renewed enthusiasm and optimism- the sense that we can always change our story and write a new script. I find myself energized by the infectious spirit that permeates our halls, the open sharing of new ideas and the constant belief that transitions invite opportunities. This feeling is among the messages of teshuva, of return and revival. 

As we begin the recital of selichot, let us embrace the yearly gift of optimism that the teshuva season represents.

Wishing you a shana tova,

Rabbi Jonathan Knapp

Head of School