CBI Blogs

On Fridays, we email two Elul Thoughts, out of respect for those of us who choose not to look at email on Shabbat. We wish you a blessed and restful Shabbat and hope you continue finding inspiration in our Elul Thoughts.
 

September 13-14, 2024/10-11 Elul 5784
Rabbi David N. Young

This year I turn 50. Even typing those words makes a strange feeling wash over me. I think I have a little 80’s-action-movie-fan-syndrome, because I can hear Danny Glover saying, “I’m 50 years old…I’m too old for this ___.” And while I do not feel too old for anything I am doing (I feel more energetic than I did a year ago), there is a sense of doom and gloom over approaching this number.

In Hebrew the letter that corresponds to the number 50 is nun. In the alphabetic acrostic known as Ashrei, the line that would otherwise have nun will be left out because nun starts the word nofel, “fall,” which comes from the verse describing the downfall of Israel (Amos 5:2). On the other hand, the 50th day is when we celebrate Shavuot after Passover. We go from freedom to redemption on the 50th day, so it should be a day of great celebration and rejoicing. It all hinges on which version of 50 we choose to give our attention.

Often the rifts in our lives that are the greatest are the struggles within our own minds. The chasm between our negative perceptions of our lives and the amazing things we do and experience can be wide and impassable. It can also be easily traversed if we let go of our self-critical mindset and enjoy the life we have. After all, nothing ages us quite like worrying. May we use this Elul to let go of our worries, along with the critical voice within.

Cantor Jenna Sagan
The Healing Power of Music

When words fail, music speaks -Hans Christian Andersen

Healing begins with open hearts and the willingness to listen and forgive. When dealing with rifts amongst people, it can often be difficult to find the words to start the dialogue. I believe that music holds a profound power to heal emotional wounds. It transcends barriers and reaches deep into our hearts at times when even our words may fail us. When we listen to a song together, we share a moment of vulnerability and understanding, which can heal even the widest divides. Music is our communal memory; listening to the sounds of our shared experiences can open even the hardest of hearts to a tough conversation. Music has the unique ability to transcend differences and remind us of our shared humanity, offering solace and a path toward mutual understanding. This year, I have curated a playlist designed to spark conversations, healing the rifts amongst us, one song at a time. You can find the playlist here: https://tinyurl.com/ElulPlaylist5784

This Elul, let the healing harmonies guide you as we work toward unity and peace in our world.