It has long been taught that Judaism, as a rule, sanctifies time—not people or places. Our sacred rhythms rise and fall with the days of the week, the months of the year, and the cycle of holidays. Shabbat each week brings something to celebrate—a moment to pause and reflect.
This Shabbat is known as Shabbat Mevarchim HaChodesh; this occurs monthly on the Shabbat before Rosh Chodesh, the start of the new month. Accompanied by a special blessing for the new month, this happens every month except one: Tishrei. Therefore, this Shabbat—Shabbat Mevarchim HaChodesh Elul—is the final blessing for the new month which we will offer in 5784. Many of the Hasidic commentaries suggest that there is a special power in this month’s blessing; it is a culmination of all that has come before and a preparation for that which is still to be.
This is the month for unfinished business; for gathering up what might be lost or left behind, for what Simon and Garfunkel called “the dangling conversation”. And so, as we prepare for the month of Elul—which is in and of itself a month of preparation for Rosh HaShanah and a new year ahead—I offer this take on the Rosh Chodesh Blessing, written by modern liturgist Marcia Falk:
May the month of Elul
be a month of blessings:
blessings of goodness,
blessings of joy,
peace and kindness,
friendship and love,
creativity, strength,
serenity,
fulfilling work
and dignity,
satisfaction, success,
and sustenance,
physical health
and radiance.
May truth and justice
guide our acts
and compassion
temper our lives
that we may blossom
as we age
and become
our sweetest selves.
May it be so.
-Rabbi Sari Laufer