08/25/2026
We are in the month of Elul, the sixth month in the biblical year and the twelfth month of the civil year in the Hebrew calendar.
For Jewish people, it’s an “in-between” time, when summer is waning and we prepare our hearts for the High Holy Days and fall feasts. We don’t rush headlong into the new year at Rosh HaShanah. We first take stock of the year that is ending.
During Elul, the customary daily sounding of the shofar penetrates our awareness and calls us to examine our hearts as well as our relationships with the Lord and each other. It’s not about “Did I achieve my goals this year?” It goes much deeper than that and shines a light on the state of our very souls. The questions we ask ourselves can be difficult. Teshuvah, as this process is called, comes from the Hebrew word, lashuv, meaning “to return”. Return to what? Return to what God has called each of us to be.
The Torah speaks repeatedly of what He loves (mercy, faithfulness, truth, and justice, to name a few), and our lives are best lived reflecting what He loves. This task entails recognizing and taking ownership of ways we have wronged specific people or simply neglected relationships.
Teshuvah also involves taking action to repair relationships and right wrongs. Thanks to Yeshua/Jesus, we have Ruach HaKodesh/ Holy Spirit, who shines His light on our souls, reveals truth, and empowers us to live lives worthy of our calling.
May this intimate relationship be a reality for every person, Jew and Gentile, until all Israel is saved!
