As the month of Elul arrives, there’s a subtle shift. The summer light softens, the days still hold warmth, yet there’s a quiet stirring in the air—a gentle reminder that seasons, like souls, are preparing to turn.
In Jewish tradition, Elul is our most intimate month, a time of drawing close to what matters most. The very letters of Elul – Alef, Lamed, Vav, Lamed – spell out the words from Song of Songs: “Ani l’dodi v’dodi li—I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine.” This beautiful verse captures Elul’s essence: a relationship built on love, trust, and the profound possibility of growth.
These thirty days call us inward – to reflect, to repair, to return. Whether through morning walks that clear our minds, conversations that heal old wounds, or quiet moments that reconnect us to our values, Elul invites us to rediscover who we truly are and who we’re meant to become.
The daily blast of the shofar during Elul serves as our wake-up call – not harsh, but instead soul-stirring. It reminds us to seek forgiveness, mend what’s broken, and choose compassion over indifference. These aren’t just spiritual practices; they’re deeply human ones that help us become our best selves for each other and our community.
At JFCS, we witness this spirit of return and renewal every day through the courage of those we serve and the dedication of those who serve alongside us. Through Project SARAH (Stop Abusive Relationships At Home), we walk beside survivors of domestic abuse as they reclaim their lives, offering not just immediate safety but the tools and support needed to rebuild with strength and hope. In our Faye Manger Counseling Department, we help individuals and families strengthen their emotional well-being through compassionate therapy and healing support groups. And through the Rhona Fischer Family Assistance Program, we provide more than emergency food—we offer pathways from crisis to stability, helping families build sustainable futures.
As the High Holy Day season approaches, we’re especially grateful for the congregations who fill our Betsy & Peter Fischer Food Pantry with mountains of kosher food each fall. Kellman Brown Academy, Temple Beth Sholom, Congregation Kol Ami, Congregation Beth Tikvah, Adath Emanu-El, and Congregation Beth El – your annual drives don’t just stock our shelves, they nourish souls and restore dignity. Your steadfast support embodies Elul’s call to turn our love into action.
In this season of reflection and renewal, we’re grateful to each of you for standing with us. Your commitment reflects the heart of Elul: the belief that healing is possible, that broken things can be mended, and that we’re all capable of extraordinary care for one another.
May this Elul bring you moments of clarity and connection. May you find sweetness in small things and strength in community. And may the year ahead unfold with health, peace, and unexpected joy for you and all you hold dear.
