Elul

The days of Elul are a time of reflection, of contemplation. The mitzvah for the moment is to slow down and take the time we need to reflect as we prepare to go forward into the new year. With that in mind we offer the following kavanot of the season.

 Elul 20

Sitting side by side
Memory suffuses each
Memory of tales told
Moments held
Joy and sorrow intertwined

Memories bittersweet
Allowing each to step forward,
Creating,
the world anew.

Elul 21

The earth revealed
         man’s touch revealed
         in the wake of a storm’s unstemmed fury

Beauty revealed

         renewing the partnership
         more gently
         with more care
         learning once again
         how hard it is to balance

 Elul 22 

Aged hands
veins revealed
what remains
what counts?

Chesed – loving-kindness
above all else

as the water ebbs away from the shore
we let go
knowing that the tides are the moon’s concern