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Acronyms of Elul

21/08/2020 09:15:45 AM

Aug21

Dear Congregational Family,

It is noteworthy that the four Hebrew letters which comprise Elul - Alef, lamed, vav, lamed - serve as an acronym for several verses in Scripture.

Perhaps the most well known is from Song of Songs, "Ani L'dodi V'Dodi Li - I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine." This verse is often incorporated into a wedding ceremony or is found as a decorative phrase on a Ketuba or wedding invitation. 

In the context of Elul, the two beloved companions are God and the Jewish people. This season of the year prompts us to draw closer to what God demands of us in our daily behavior. The notion of God and the Jewish people as beloved partners has strong roots in Judaism. Consider the three fold betrothal  verse from Hosea when making three rings when donning Tefillin. Consider the Festival of Shavuot with its imagery of Mount Sinai as the Chuppa, and the tablets of the Ten Commandments as the Ketuba. Consider the Friday night hymn, L'cha Dodi, welcoming the Shabbat bride.

Perhaps the second most famous Elul acronym comes from the Book of Esther, "Ish L'rayayhu U'matanot L'evyonim - the sending of food portions to one's fellow and gifts to the poor." While the verse and its ritual interpretation originate with Purim, Elul reminds us to always treat others with respect, assistance, care, and support.

While there are other Elul acronyms worthy of study, I wish us all Chodesh Tov, a good new month, and Shabbat Shalom.

Rabbi Howard Morrison

 

Thu, 28 March 2024 18 Adar II 5784