The Jewish High Holy Days are an annual transformative journey — an invitation to open our hearts to the holy possibility of change.
The phrase “the king is in the field” is said to refer back to the time of King Solomon, a time when the king would leave the royal palace once a year, during the month of Elul, and go out into the fields among the people. This royal presence among the people in their everyday environment meant that the usual barriers to access were removed, inviting sincere connection and approachability.
On a spiritual level, when the king is in the field we can tap into opportunities for special encounters with divine realms, finding holiness in the mundane aspects of life and in daily activities. It’s a month particularly suited to introspection (cheshbon ha’nefesh), repentance (teshuvah), giving charity (tzedukah), and seeking forgiveness from others, as we prepare for the High Holy Days.
Please join Rabbi Karen as we explore some of these major themes. Our time together will focus on:
Session 1: Teshuvah: The Jewish idea of “return.” What are we returning to?
The Hebrew calendar and festival cycle: Tisha b’Av to Sukkot
The Hebrew calendar and festival cycle: Tisha b’Av to Sukkot
Session 2: Cheshbon Ha’nefesh: Personal self-accounting
Session 3: Forgiveness: Training ourselves in the attribute of chesed/lovingkindness.