September 2000 - אֱלוּל תש״ס .. תִּשְּׁרֵי תשס״א Elul 5760..Tishrei 5761

The month of September coincides with the Hebrew month of Elul, the month preceding Rosh HaShanah. During the month of Elul, it is customary for Jews to prepare for the Yamim haNoraim (the holy Days of Awe) by conducting a Cheshbon Nefesh, a personal inventory, and putting our houses in order. In past columns I have recommended that we take the month of Elul, consider how we may have hurt those that we love the most and to try to make it up to them. I have recommended that we write letters to our parents or children, ask for forgiveness for transgressions both intentional and unintentional.

This year in the month of Elul, I would like to recommend that we again conduct a Cheshbon Nefesh to make restitution to anyone that we may have hurt, and then to add an additional step. During our Cheshbon Nefesh we should try to identify the ways that we have transgressed against ourselves and against God. For example, I know that I sin against myself because I do not make enough time to exercise properly, and I sin against myself because I have poor eating habits. I sin against myself because I have been too lazy to stay in touch with my old friends, and I sin against myself because I waste time playing computer games. We all have a list of things that we know we must improve upon, in order to live more fulfilled and meaningful lives.

Similarly, we all have skimped on our obligations to God. For some of us, we have sinned against God by not observing Shabbat in a meaningful way. For others, we sin against God by not committing enough time to Talmud Torah, the study of Torah and Jewish traditions. Most of us sin against God through inadequate prayer and/or prayer time. We sin against God when we fail to pay attention to the world around us, and we sin against God whenever we waste natural resources. Our tradition even teaches that we sin against God when we do not enjoy that which God has put into our world to enjoy. We also sin against God when we do not use our God-given abilities and live life to our fullest potential.

This is the beginning of my list for me. It is not meant to be critique of any particular member or all of the members of Temple Beth Sholom. It is only meant as a thought starter for each and everyone of us to conduct a Cheshbon Nefesh this month. Then when we join together for prayer on Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur (and Shabbat and Selichot), we will indeed be ready to ask God to inscribe us for a good year in the Book of Life.

Lashanah tovah tikateivu.

—Rabbi Harry A. Manhoff, Ph.D.

Selichot Social and Penitential Prayers

On Motzei Shabbat (Saturday evening), September 23, members and friends of Temple Beth Sholom will observe Selichot. Selichot is the last Saturday evening before Rosh HaShanah, and another chance to prepare to stand before the Judge of the entire World through penitential prayers. The Selichot service is considered by many to be the most beautiful and meaningful worship experience of the year. The penitential service will begin after the Selichot songfest and social, which begins at 8:00 PM. Weather permitting we will move outside for this special service. Please join us for the social and the service.

TBS Adult Education and Lehrhaus Judaica present: Introduction to Judaism

Rabbi Manhoff has been asked by Lehrhaus Judaica to offer an Introduction to Judaism class for the Eden/Tri-city/Tri-valley region. This sixteen-week class is designed for Jews who would like a mature presentation of the history, holidays and literature of Judaism. It is also intended to impart an understanding of the major components of Judaism to non-Jewish spouses, friends and significant others. Rabbi Manhoff sometimes refers to this class as a ‘Seminar of Association’, the class for people who associate with Jews and the Jewish tradition.

Introduction to Judaism is free to members of Temple Beth Sholom. There is a modest fee for members of other synagogues in the Lehrhaus consortium, and a slightly higher fee for all others. Call the synagogue (357-8505) or Lehrhaus Judaica (845-6420, info@lehrhaus.org) to enroll.

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