28 Elul 5780 - September 17, 2020

I AM JEWISH: ED W.   

I love being Jewish.  I think back to my youth and I am grateful I had a family that adhered to the many traditions and laws of Judaism.  I attended Nusach Hari as a child and I recently overheard some people talking about students who, back in the 70’s, would walk to Dairy Queen at break time.  I was one of those students!  One may ask is that the only thing I remember, of course not.  My memories can be a bit vague of what I actually learned at Hebrew school.  What matters to me is that my parents insisted on having Jewish education be a big part of me.  Did I want to learn when I was young? No. Did I want to go to Hebrew school? No, but I knew it was something that Jewish kids did.  There were stretches in my life that being Jewish only meant a speedy Pesach seder or a quick visit to the cemetery.  I wish I would have relied on Judaism more as it is not only a faith for me now but an incredible tool to guide me. Judaism celebrates with me and amplifies virtually everything in my life.  Without a doubt Judaism makes my joyous times happier; my sad times easier; and my misdeeds more painful. Judaism embodies me in words that I cannot describe.  I will say very little if someone asks me what it means to be Jewish.  Not sure anyone can understand unless you are in fact Jewish. 

It is tradition to read Psalm 27 every day during Elul.  

PSALM 27

God is my light and my refuge secure - whom shall I fear?

God is the stronghold of my life - of whom should I be afraid?

When those who act with malice would devour me with words,

it is they who stumble, they who fall.

If an army were to take up arms against me, my heart would not fear.

If war were waged against me, still I would trust.

Just one thing I have asked of God; only this do I seek:

to dwell in God’s house all the days of my life,

to behold divine sweetness and beauty, and to gaze in delight at God’s Temple.

God shelters me in times of hardship, shields me in a tent of divine protection,

raises me high on a rock - so that now my head rises above enemies around me. 

Let me make offerings in that tent - the offerings of a joyful cry.

Let me sing hymns, and celebrate the One who is eternal - Adonai.

Hear my voice when I call; God, answer me with grace.

My heart spoke for you - it said, “Seek My face.” Your face, Adonai, I will seek.

Do not hide your face from me, nor angrily turn away Your faithful one -

the one You have sustained. My God-of-rescue, do not desert me!

When my father and mother have gone, God will gather me in.

Teach me your way, Adonai; and guide me on a straight path,

because of those who lie in wait for me.

Do not hand me over to the will of foes who rose against me -

lying witnesses and those whose very breath is violence.

If only I could believe that I will see God’s goodness

in the land of the living. . .

Wait for Adonai

Be strong of heart, and be bold -- but wait for Adonai.

It is also tradition to hear the sound of the shofar each day during Elul.  It is a wake up call to prepare for the upcoming holy days. 

UHCSTL · Shofar 1