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Dear Friends and Supporters,
We are now in Elul, the month that calls us to pause, reflect, and prepare. Across our communities, the shofar is blown each day, reminding us that in just four weeks we will enter Rosh Hashanah, the Ten Days of Repentance, and Yom Kippur.
Our sages teach that before we can stand before Hashem and ask forgiveness for the sins between us and God, we must first seek forgiveness for the wrongs we have done to one another. Elul gives us the gift of time to examine our actions and our relationships with friends, family, coworkers, and peers.
Hearing the shofar this week filled me with awe and gratitude. It was a reminder to pause and take stock of who we are and who we can become. This is a check-in. Are we on the right path? Could we strengthen a mitzvah, dedicate more time to learning, give more tzedakah, increase acts of chesed, or reach out to fellow Jews who may not yet feel connected to their heritage or community?
Sometimes growth begins with something small, even pausing in a heated moment and saying quietly to ourselves: It is Elul. It is Elul. In doing so, we build merit through reflection, self-improvement, and acts of care toward others.
This Rosh Hashanah, may all the hostages be released, may those defending Israel return safely, and may this conflict end victoriously for Israel and the Jewish people. May our prayers be answered for good, and may we stand before Hashem as people He will be proud of.
With gratitude,
Rabbi Glenn Black
CEO, NCSY Canada
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