Turning and Returning: Old and New

We are in the middle of the Hebrew month of Elul, the month that leads directly into Tishrei. What does it mean to come back to oneself, to engage in the work of Teshuvah (turning and returning) during this season? Elul is a gift: a chance to turn our attention toward our own souls and the souls of others, toward our actions and the year that is drawing to a close.

Take this time to ask yourself: How have I changed this year? How have I grown? What did I let go of because it no longer served me? What is new in my life, and what more do I hope to bring into it?

At the Danforth Jewish Circle, we are deep in preparation for the High Holy Days. Much will feel familiar: warm welcomes and friends, our community's kavanot, our beautiful community choir, Torah service group aliyot, much learning and discussion, Yom Kippur’s Music and Meditation, and volunteer DJC shlichei tzibbur (leaders of prayer) on the bimah, to name just a few of the blessings we're fortunate to share.

I also want to highlight a few additions to our communal prayer experience this year:

1. A new Mi Sheberach for Healing on Rosh Hashanah morning. The melody is new to us, though it was written in 2020 by Will Robertson of Congregation Bet Haverim, a Reconstructionist community in Atlanta. It draws on Debbie Friedman's Mi Sheberach and on the spontaneous prayer for healing Moses cries out for his sister Miriam in Bamidbar 12:13.

Mi shebeirach avoteinuM'kor hachayim l'imoteinuHu y'varech v'yirafehEt hacholim

El na refa na la

(May the one who blessed our fathers,source of life for our mothers,bless and heal the suffering.Oh God, please heal her.)

We encourage you to listen to it ahead of Rosh Hashanah so the melody feels familiar when we sing it together.

2. A close reading of Unetaneh Tokef in place of a sermon, on Rosh Hashanah morning. What do we know about this section of the liturgy? How do we feel hearing the words "On Rosh Hashanah it is written and on Yom Kippur it is sealed. Who shall live and who shall die?" And what do we make of its final words, "Reconciliation, prayer, and just giving can annul the severity of harsh decrees"? Let's explore these words together.

3. A new Yizkor Supplement for Yom Kippur morning. Many of you have asked for more prayers, readings, and poems to reflect on during this solemn service. The supplement is available to everyone, in person and online.

As we move through these final weeks of Elul, I hope these old and new offerings help you find your own way back: back to yourself, back to each other, back to what matters most. I look forward to turning and returning together with all of you this season.

L'shanah tovah,

Rabbi Ilyse Glickman