As You Enter

In this week’s Torah portion, Ki Tavo,
the Mystery calls:
As you enter the new land,
as you enter the New Year,
bring the fruits of your efforts, your devotion, your practice.
Bring all you have become
through time, circumstance and choice.

Take special note of the goodness
you have brought into the world
through acts of generosity, kindness and care.

Enter and take your place as creatures,
here in relationship with all.
The world needs your gifts, your offerings.
Enter and share the abundance that you are.

Out of fear or habit,
despair or grief,
the soul hesitates,
and cries:

There is too much damage,
too much pain,
there is nothing I can do.

I will wait, the Mystery responds.
I will wait for you to awaken,
I will wait for you to remember
that you are part of this mysterious unfolding of creation
and the world needs you.

Rabbi Yael

Psalm 27 is a great guide as we journey through Elul. Saying the whole psalm, or a particular verse, helps us engage in the spiritual work of this time. You can download Rabbi Yael’s translation and the Hebrew text.