5 Elul - Preparations for the Holy Days

Shavuah Tov. I hope that you and yours had a wonderful Shabbat. As you likely know, we are now almost through the first week of the month of Elul. This month is one of preparation, reflection, thought and repentance as we approach the Days of Awe (Yamim Noraim). There are many things which we can do during this time - self reflection, taking a personal inventory, asking forgiveness from those whom we've wronged and thinking about how we want to make our lives different in the coming year.

Rabbi Judith Abrams, scholar and teacher at Maqom: A School for Adult Talmud Study has posted a wonderful series of daily reflections to guide us through Elul, Countdown to Rosh Hashanah.

As has been pointed out by other bloggers (like the excellent post by Velveteen Rabbi with wonderful links), another custom of daily preparation for the Yamim Noraim is daily recitation of Psalm 27.

May your daily journey to the Yamim Noraim be filled with growth, joy and comfort.