When the New Moon Rises
Rabbi Rachael Klein Miller shares her thoughts and inspiration for the Jewish New Year.
When the New Moon Rises
During the month of Elul the moon is like that post-it note you leave around the house reminding you not to forget that important thing you’re supposed to do. On the first of Elul, I challenged our congregants to take a few moments each evening to look at the moon.
The moon is our reminder to dive into deep reflection, to engage in cheshbon hanefesh, an accounting of our soul. We take extra time for this deep reflection, even at the expense of studying more Torah! Such reflection helps us enter the new year with an openness toward growth and teshuva, a return to the right path.
It’s now September 15th. Rosh HaShanah is just 10 days away. The moon is waning, telling us that Rosh HaShanah is almost here. The first of Tishrei is just around the corner. If you haven’t noticed the moon in recent days, take notice tonight and each night leading up to Rosh HaShanah.
As you gaze toward the heavens, reflecting on the vastness of the universe, decide how you will work toward being your best self in the year ahead. May you recognize the miraculous-ness of your existence within the cosmos, and may you feel empowered to bring more goodness to our world.
Rabbi Rachael is an associate rabbi at Temple Emanu-El in Sandy Springs.
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