Elul, Day 21 - כ"א באלול
Dear Elul Writers,
Of the many traditional names for Rosh Hashanah, the one that might be the most challenging is Yom HaDin/The Day of Judgment. Yet, there is no denying that the start of the year is a time when we critically examine the path we’ve taken. This is true on Rosh Hashanah in the same way that all milestones (birthdays, anniversaries, etc.) have contained within them some degree of reckoning and assessment.
There is a teaching attributed to R’ Elimelech of Lizhensk who, when considering his myriad faults, wondered how he would fare on a day of judgment. In the end, he concluded, “my broken heart will stand me in good stead” on Rosh Hashanah. There are so many places where I hope to improve, where I recognize my weaknesses and my failings. I am heartened by the wisdom of R’ Elimelech that we might be regarded not for our degree of completion, but for our brokenness.
Tekiah-Shvarim-Truah-Tekiah
The past two Saturday nights, our writing prompts have explored the journey through the sounds of the shofar. Our focus now turns to truah, the striking staccato call that reminds us of our broken places.
Prompt
On Day 21, look back on your year and find a moment of feeling utterly shattered. Maybe there is a definitive experience that will come to mind or perhaps you will need to search for it. Did becoming whole again even feel like a possibility? Does it feel possible yet? How might your broken-heartedness stand you in good stead for the days to come?
Shavua tov,
Jordan.