Elul: Fixing ourselves, repairing the world
Here it is in a nutshell—written by our ancient rabbis in the Babylonian Talmud:
Whoever is able to protest against the transgressions of his own family and does not do so is punished for the transgressions of his family. Whoever is able to protest against the transgressions of the people of his community and does not do so is punished for the transgressions of his community. Whoever is able to protest against the transgressions of the entire world and does not do so is punished for the transgressions of the entire world.
— (B.T. Shabbat 54b)
Repairing ourselves is only the beginning. The rabbis understood this essential maxim centuries ago. Silence is not an option. When I was a rabbinic student, my final thesis was built around from this verse: “You shall surely reprove your kin but incur no guilt because of him/her.” (Leviticus 19:17). Surely the rabbis had this in mind when they offered the guidance above.
Of course, one must be thoughtful, strategic, and patient. Certainly, the rabbis realized this, even in their hyperbole. However, the sentiment remains: when we are witnesses to wrongs and we do not protest, we assume a level of responsibility.
As the High Holy Days approach, we are given the opportunity, once again, to reflect on our character and our conduct. The words of our tradition, the insights in our prayer book, the messages of our clergy, work in concert to help each of us do the hard work of self-repair. We hope that you find our words meaningful, that the tradition inspires you, and that all of us together can help one another to fully realize our potential to fix ourselves and repair the world.
Check out the Elul Eleven page to see what you can do.
— Rabbi Ron Stern
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