#elul2018

[jewish-education]

Elul 5

Rabbinic tradition teaches that we all have two opposing forces compelling us: yetzer hara and yetzer tov. Some rabbis teach that we need a balance of “yetzer hara” (selfishness) and “yetzer tov” (selflessness). Without selflessness, the world would obviously be a cruel place, and we would forget mitzvot that involve looking out for others. But without selfishness, the world would also be desolate. No one would have children, build themselves a house, or express themselves with art. In this framework, how well have you balanced your “yetzer hara” and “yetzer tov” this past year. Which do you need to listen to more this coming year?

[jewish-education]

Elul 24

Sometimes there’s someone who won’t forgive you. Maybe you can’t apologize because they passed away or you have no way of getting in touch with them. Or maybe no matter what you do or how much you apologize and change they just aren’t ready to forgive you. Which of the steps of teshuva (from day 17’s prompt) can you complete? How will you do this?

[jewish-education]

Elul 2018/5778

Shabbat shalom y’all!

The first Elul journal prompt will post at 9:00 PM tomorrow! Which is coincidentally when Elul starts :)

Elul is the month before Rosh Hashana, the start of the High Holidays (HHD). It’s a time of introspection and teshuva in preparation for Yom Kippur and the year ahead. Some people like to journal throughout Elul to help them collect their thoughts and guide their actions.

I’ll be posting journal prompts on the eve of each day of Elul. I’ll also be posting articles and other Elul/HHD/teshuva related content. There will be prompts for days that are Shabbat, but since the prompts are up here ahead of time, I trust y’all to sort things out if you need to. A huge thanks to @better-latke-than-never since about half of the prompts are from her Elul post last year!

I’ll be tagging prompts and other content as #Elul2018 and #Elul5778 (when I remember to...). I invite anyone to join in with these tags.

[jewish-education]

Elul 25

While Judaism generally discourages us from dwelling on loved ones who have passed away, Elul is traditionally a time to visit cemetaries and honor loved ones who are no longer with us. Is there someone you’ve missed this year? What can you do to honor them? If you aren’t missing someone this year, watch BimBam’s video “A Jewish Guide to Helping Your Friend in Mourning” then read “Helping Someone Who’s Grieving.” Think of a friend or family member who may be reliving a loss this Elul. What can you do to support them?

[jewish-education]

Elul 28

This coming Shabbat we will read parsha Nitzavim which contains Deuteronomy 30:11-14:  

In what ways has teshuva been closer than you expected this month? In what ways has it been farther? What do you still need to work on as you enter the Ten Days of Awe (time between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur) and the new year beyond?

[jewish-education]

Elul 23

Read “Is Forgiveness Necessary?” by Rabbi David J. Blumenthal. Sometimes someone who’s wronged us won’t repent. They might have passed away before getting a chance, or refused to apologize or to change their ways. Do you think we should forgive such a person anyways? If not, how can you let go and move on without their repentance?

[jewish-education]

Elul 3

Who or what do you feel distant from right now? What changes could you make to feel more connected?

(From @better-latke-than-never‘s post “Expressive Elul Writing Prompts.”)

[jewish-education]

Elul15

Write a list of all of the pressing, negative feelings that you have. Write down grudges, fears and bad memories. Make sure to be clear and expressive. Now, burn it, tear it into pieces and throw it into a river, bury it or crumple it up and throw it away. Whatever will feel like letting it go.

From @better-latke-than-never’s post “Expressive Elul Writing Prompts.”