The month of Elul calls upon every Jew to stop, to observe, to think. This month seems to tell us that life is not a turning of the pages of a calendar.
From time to time, we must take stock and find out whether our lives are indeed heading in the right direction and whether we are achieving the goals we need to achieve.
But routine has its own acceleration, and the natural tendency of all of us is to do today what we did yesterday. "That's how I am," we tend to justify ourselves, and even demand from those around us: "Accept me as I am.".
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We don't like to respond to a call that requires upheaval and change.
Infinite powers
Think of a person who is forty, fifty, or sixty years old. Every year he is required to take stock of himself and make repentance. What could possibly change in him? He is already a mature man, not a young boy who changes direction easily. He has his virtues and his weaknesses, the things he does and the things he doesn't do. He will remain like that until his last day.
Judaism comes and says: No, you too can and should change. You too are called to repent. You can and should turn over a new leaf. Even if you were 'okay,' even if you fear God and serve God – you still have to change, move forward, correct deficiencies; not stand still.
This perception stems from a profound insight into the human soul. Judaism's starting point in this matter is based on the recognition of the infinity of the Jewish soul. A Jew, in his inner being, is not limited. Nothing can stand in the way of his true will. Not reason, not emotion, not habits, not age, not environment. The moment he truly wants to make a change in the course of his life – there will be no force that can stop him.
The inspiring call in the month of Elul is addressed to every Jew. Those who have not put on tefillin and have not observed Shabbat – let them begin to observe it from now on. Those who have observed Shabbat, but have not been careful to pray in public and to set times for Torah – let them correct these deficiencies. And those who are careful to observe both light and serious matters, but who stumble here and there in slander – let them make their repentance and bring about the turning point that is required of them. This is the basic idea of the month of Elul – a call to every Jew to change their ways for the better.
Without sticking labels
Even that adult and mature person, if he only takes advantage of the forces showered upon us now, will be able to bring about a revolution in the course of his life. Nothing is impossible. God makes everything possible, one only has to will.
These things are also true in the way we treat other Jews. There is a tendency to label people, to determine who is good and who is bad, to mark whose heart is open and whose heart is closed. This is a fundamentally wrong approach. Chazal said that one of the things that is hidden from a person’s heart is what is done in the heart of his friend. The cynical and harsh Jew, who seemingly does not listen to what you say at all, may turn out to be someone whose kidneys and heart are pierced by these things.
We should address one another with love and affection, without arrogance, without threats and intimidation. Speak to others as a friend, as a companion. And hold on to words of truth, which come from the heart, which will also enter the heart, and may we all have a good and sweet year.
• The column is published in The Conversation of the Week.
