Rabbis Gear Up for High Holidays: Elul’s Spiritual Sprint

As the Hebrew month of Elul approaches, Jewish leaders across the globe are preparing for the upcoming High Holidays. This period of spiritual reflection and renewal is crucial for rabbis, cantors, and synagogue staff, who are set to enter a month of intensive work leading into Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Observant Jews and their communities engage in a time of deep introspection, emphasizing themes of return, repentance, and repair, making this season both a marathon and a sprint.

During Elul, the atmosphere in synagogues shifts as clergy members begin drafting sermons, organizing prayers, and coordinating spiritual experiences. Avi Finegold and Matthew Leibl, both rabbis, have shared insights on how community members can support their leaders during this demanding time, as well as their own personal routines in preparation for the High Holidays.

The hectic pace of Elul is akin to tax season for accountants, Finegold notes. “Rabbis are doing the same thing, putting in extra hours to meet the demands of their congregations.” With this understanding, Finegold emphasizes the importance of providing support and space for clergy to fulfill their responsibilities without added pressure.

Community members can play a vital role in alleviating the stress faced by their leaders during this period. For instance, Finegold suggests that rather than scheduling additional meetings or events close to Rosh Hashanah, congregants should recognize the need for clergy to focus on their preparations. “Give them the time they need to complete their tasks,” he advises.

Reflecting on their personal practices, both rabbis engage in methods to prepare spiritually and logistically. Finegold has found value in using the time leading up to the holidays for self-reflection, often contemplating the sermons he will deliver. “It’s essential to consider not just what I will say, but how I can inspire others to engage with their own spiritual journeys,” he explains.

Leibl highlights the necessity of supportive environments for clergy, especially in light of recent challenges faced by the Jewish community, including rising antisemitism and the ongoing conflict in Israel. “Jewish professionals are often stretched thin,” he says. “It is crucial for the community to step up and ensure they feel cared for and appreciated.”

In tackling the sensitive topic of interfaith marriages, the conversation shifts to the resignation of Rabbi Sachs from the Rabbinical Assembly. His departure reflects growing tensions within the Conservative movement regarding officiating interfaith weddings. The rabbi’s decision underscores a broader debate on the relevance of traditional practices in contemporary Jewish life.

The dialogue between Finegold and Leibl evolves into discussing how the Conservative movement is navigating these challenges. While some view the movement as increasingly irrelevant, others argue for the importance of maintaining core principles. “If you violate our principles, you’re no longer part of the movement,” Finegold states, recognizing the tension between tradition and modernity within the Jewish community.

As Elul progresses, both rabbis emphasize the significance of engaging with their congregations through proactive communication. Leibl proposes sending out regular updates to help congregants prepare spiritually, framing this as a two-way street in which both clergy and community members contribute to a meaningful High Holidays experience.

The conversation draws to a close with reflections on the importance of preparation. Finegold notes that just as athletes warm up before a game, individuals should engage in spiritual preparation leading up to the High Holidays. “Elul is the preseason that gets you there,” he remarks, reinforcing the idea that intentionality and reflection enhance the experience of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

In this spirit, as the High Holidays approach, communities are encouraged to support their leaders and engage in their own spiritual journeys, ensuring a meaningful and enriching experience for all.