INSPIRATIONS FOR ELUL
Traditionally, we spend the month of Elul in preparation for the High Holy Day season. We reflect, we learn and we pray together as we ready our hearts and minds for the intensity of the Days of Awe. Today, we also emphasize the importance of being together as a community, and the strength we gain from one another through this reflection process. We will learn from our clergy, staff, and fellow congregants. Join us for any and all of our Month of Elul programs this year.
ACTIVITIES
Personal Journaling
Get a writing prompt
for every day of the month.
Click here
for journal prompts.
Read Psalm 27
It is customary to read Psalm 27 each day from the beginning of Elul through Hoshana Rabbah, which is the last day of Sukkot.
Visit Loved Ones' Graves
Honor loved ones' memories and reflect on our own lives and what we will leave to others. Make sure visitors are allowed during COVID.
Blow the Shofar!
Traditionally the shofar is blown each morning (excluding Shabbat) from the first day of Elul to the day before Rosh HaShanah.
ONLINE EVENTS
THE ART OF DYING WELL WITH KATY BUTLER
Thur, Sept 3, 7:00pm
The last third of life poses challenges as well as gifts, but acceptance, community, and planning can relieve worry. Join us to hear bestselling journalist Katy Butler share from her handbook of step by step preparations to help you drink deeply from the life that remains. Presented by Temple Sinai Oakland's Wise Aging Committee.
Preregistration Required
FREE
HOW TO BLOW THE SHOFAR WITH PHIL AND DAN
Thurs, Sept 10, 7:00pm
Grab your shofar and learn from experienced amateurs Phil Rubin and Dan Fendel. The attached readings may help you prepare to learn about sounding the shofar. Two concern the meaning of the individual sounds, about which there are many views. The third, from Rabbi Alan Lew, addresses the emotional preparation and state of mind for someone who is sounding the shofar.
Meeting ID: 843 9344 3540
MAKING TEIGLACH
WITH TERRIE GOREN
Tues, Sept 15, 7:00pm
Teiglach, a traditional Rosh HaShanah treat, literally means “little dough” in Yiddish and has its history in the Lithuanian Jewish community. While boiling dough in honey seems a bit odd, the dough cooks up crunchy like a cookie covered in a sticky honey syrup. The ingredients are quite basic, and the process is quite simple, but the result is oddly addicting. Join Terrie Goren, executive director, as she presents a demonstration on making this traditional holiday treat. Get recipe to follow along here.
Meeting ID: 875 0189 1634
GUIDED MEDITATION WITH STEVE GOLDSTEIN
Sat, Sept 5, 10:30am
Connecting to Gratitude and the Resolve to Change. During the Hebrew month of Elul, the month before the High Holy Days, we enter into a period of self-reflection.
Steve Goldstein will lead us through guided meditations on themes of the High Holy Days.
Meeting ID: 169-589-870
Password: 123079
S'LICHOT DISCUSSION AND SERVICE
Sat, Sept 12, 7:00pm
As preparation for our S'lichot service, we will have a study session using the principles of mussar — the ancient yet modern tradition of personal ethical study — to examine our behavior.
The discussion will be presented by the Wise Aging Committee (but suitable for all ages), and will include breakout groups for sharing.
Meeting ID: 880 3289 7243
+1 669 900 9128 US
BAKING HONEY CAKE WITH LAURIE LEIBER
Wed, Sept 9, 3:30 - 5:30pm
This event requires pre-registration. Please click here to register. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Download recipe here to follow along while you bake!
Preregistration Required
PREPARING THE HEART FOR ROSH HASHANAH
Tues, Sept 15, 4:00pm
The High Holy Days are a vibrant time of celebration and contemplation. We can sweeten our intentions for the upcoming year through deep reflection. Join congregant and Familial founder, Aviva Black, as she leads us through guided reflection and journal writing. Perhaps this will be the start of a new Elul tradition!
Meeting ID: 825 3926 0542
+1 669 900 9128
#SHOFAR TOGETHER
Sept 19 – Sept 26, 7:00pm
Every day, people are drawing on newfound wellsprings of creativity, and finding ways to create moments of unity together. Be part of a community-focused twist on the traditional shofar blast sounded at Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur every year. At 7:00pm, Saturday, 9/19 through Saturday, 9/26 blow your shofar from wherever you'd like. Don't forget to post your photos and videos of your shofar solidarity with the hashtag #ShofarTogether!
Registration not required.