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In a recent conversation with Rabbi Joseph, we discussed Psalm 27 and the place of repentance in preparation for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Psalm 27:
Of David.
GOD is my light and my help; whom should I fear?
GOD is the stronghold of my life, whom should I dread?
When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh—
it is they, my foes and my enemies,
who stumble and fall.
Should an army besiege me,
my heart would have no fear;
should war beset me,
still would I be confident.
One thing I ask of GOD,
only that do I seek:
to live in GOD’s house
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon GOD’s beauty,
to frequent the temple.
I will be sheltered in God’s pavilion
on an evil day,
granted the protection of God’s tent,
and raised up high upon a rock.
Now is my head high
over my enemies round about;
I sacrifice in that tent with shouts of joy,
singing and chanting a hymn to GOD.
Hear, O ETERNAL One, when I cry aloud;
have mercy on me, answer me.
In Your behalf my heart says:
“Seek My face!”
O ETERNAL One, I seek Your face.
Do not hide Your face from me;
do not thrust aside Your servant in anger;
You have ever been my help.
Do not forsake me, do not abandon me,
O God, my deliverer.
Though my father and mother abandon me,
GOD will take me in.
Show me Your way, O ETERNAL One,
and lead me on a level path
because of my watchful foes.
Do not subject me to the will of my foes,
for false witnesses and unjust accusers
have appeared against me.
Had I not the assurance
that I would enjoy GOD’s goodness
in the land of the living…
Look to GOD;
be strong and of good courage!
O look to GOD!
Show Notes
Summary
In this conversation, Rabbi Prof. Joseph Edelheit discusses the significance of the Hebrew month of Elul and the preparations for the holy day season. He explains the blowing of the shofar as a way to open our hearts and be ready to hear God's call for repentance. The conversation also touches on the Song of Songs, the concept of atonement, and the importance of seeking forgiveness from others. Rabbi Edelheit emphasizes the need for personal reflection and accountability during this time, as well as the importance of a relationship with God. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the situation in Gaza and the need for dialogue and understanding.
Takeaways
Elul is a month of preparation and reflection in the Hebrew calendar, leading up to the holy day season.
The blowing of the shofar is a symbolic act to open our hearts and be ready to hear God's call for repentance.
Seeking forgiveness from others is an important part of the repentance process.
A relationship with God is essential for personal growth and spiritual well-being.
The situation in Gaza calls for dialogue and understanding to achieve peace and reconciliation.
Sound Bites
"We blow the shofar for a month so that when we hear it 100 times on the holy day of the new year, we're not, wow, oh, well."
"There are sins, transgressions, which I have committed with my fellow human beings that can only be forgiven when I go to that person and say, I'm sorry."
"We need to go back over. Wow. I really was insecure and texted that person 73 times."
The Month of Elul