Elul
The month in our Jewish calendar that precedes the High Holy Days is called Elul. It is a month for hearing the call of the shofar that awakens our inner lives to prepare and ready ourselves for the High Holy Day Season.
During Elul, Qabbalat Shabbat has a recognizably different atmosphere than that of the rest of the year. The sounds remind us of the melodies and themes of the High Holy Days in which we immerse ourselves — these are the sounds that spiritually prepare us for awakening and renewal; for t’filah, t’shuvah, and tzedakah—reflection and prayer, forgiveness of self and others, and sacred action. These differences are most prominently heard in the High Holy Day motifs of the Bar’chu and the Amidah: when we call each other to community and reflect our highest ideals.
We use this time to rehearse our best selves so that when the time arrives, we are ready.
Qabbalat Shabbat During Elul
Fridays, September 2, 9, 16, 23 at 6:00 p.m. In mixed presence, onsite and online