Elul
Elul (אלול) is the name of the month in our Jewish calendar that immediately precedes the Jewish New Year and High Holy Days. As an acronym, the letters spell “Ani l’dodi, v’dodi li” — I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine — an expression of sweetness and commitment to drawing closer together. The month of Elul is one that fulfills the promise of drawing closer, awakening our inner lives through the call of the shofar, and preparing ourselves for the joy and renewal of the holiday season.
Qabbalat Shabbat During Elul
Fridays, August 29, September 5, 12, 19 at 6:00 p.m. Onsite and online
For each week of Elul, we will gather for Qabbalat Shabbat to sing melodies and explore texts that bring us into the themes of the High Holy Days in which we immerse ourselves. Each week will feature a deep dive into one of the chapters of our Congregational Read, The Sabbath, as we spiritually prepare ourselves for awakening and renewal; for t’shuvah, t’filah, and tzedakah.
Learning and Spiritual Practice
Deeper Breathing for a Better Year with Yaakov Ginsberg-Schreck
Date
August 26, 2025
Time
6:30 PM - 07:30 PM EDT
Join us for a gentle, grounding session of breath and peace practice, rooted in Jewish wisdom, to prepare our hearts for the journey of the High Holi...
High Holy Days 101: Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
Date
August 19, 2025
Time
7:00 PM - 08:00 PM EDT
The High Holy Days can be a time of incredible spiritual growth and deep personal introspection. Yet, for many of us, the sheer breadth of these holi...
High Holy Days 101: Sukkot and Simchat Torah
Date
August 26, 2025
Time
7:00 PM - 08:00 PM EDT
What is a sukkah and why do we eat outside in it for a week? What is a lulav and etrog? What exactly are we commemorating and celebrating on Sukkot a...
A Different High Holidays with Rabbi Ebn Leader
Date
September 2, 2025
Time
6:30 PM - 08:00 PM EDT
Most North American liberal congregations are rooted in the Ashkenazi tradition. In this tradition Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur are known as "Days of ...
S'lichot Mini Retreat with Noah Aronson
Date
September 13, 2025
Time
3:00 PM - 06:00 PM EDT
Join us for an extraordinary afternoon and evening of spiritual preparation as we welcome beloved musician and teacher Noah Aronson back to Temple I...
Soundtrack to the High Holy Days
Prepare your heart and spirit for the Days of Awe with our curated playlist of live High Holy Day music, prepared by Cantor Alicia Stillman. This collection of music from our congregation, drawn from traditional liturgy, contemporary interpretations, and soulful melodies, invites reflection, connection, and a sense of sacred anticipation. Whether you’re walking, driving, cooking, or simply pausing to breathe, let this soundtrack accompany you on your journey toward Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Self-Guided Exploration
Throughout the month of Elul, we invite you to explore our interactive High Holy Day materials. You will be able to journey through the High Holy Days at your own pace through various thematic lenses, or build your own High Holy Day experience based on which materials in the online library are most meaningful to you.