A Shabbat Message
08/28/2025 03:56:10 PM
Aug28
Shabbat Shalom,
This morning, in my rush out the door, I left the coffee I’d made for myself sitting on the kitchen counter. We’ve all been there. A quick stop at Starbucks seemed the obvious solution—until I saw the sign that startled me awake faster than any caffeine could: “Pumpkin Spice is Back.”
The return of pumpkin spice may be a lighthearted marker of the season, but to me it also feels like a secular shofar blast—announcing that we have entered a time of return. Just as the shofar calls us back during the month of Elul, this reminder on a coffee shop sign signaled that summer has ended, and the Days of Awe are quickly approaching.
After a summer filled with introductions, 'Shecheyanu moments', and firsts together, I’m grateful for how warmly I’ve been embraced by this community. At the same time, I know I’m not alone in feeling the weight of transition. Each b’nai mitzvah student I’ve met with this week has voiced a version of the same concern as they prepare for school: fear of the unknown and fear of failure. Those feelings are timeless—whether we’re entering seventh grade or stepping into a first High Holy Day season in a new congregation.
Our tradition reminds us that Elul (אֱלוּל) is understood as an acronym for the verse from Shir HaShirim: Ani l’dodi v’dodi li—“I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.” While these words are often recited under the chuppah, during Elul I see them as a sacred reminder of the holiness of relationship and the covenantal bonds of community. Teshuvah, return, is never meant to be done in isolation. We do this work together, reminding one another that while change and renewal can be daunting, we are strengthened by connection.
As we prepare to greet the new year, I feel deeply grateful to be walking into this sacred season hand in hand with all of you. May the shofar blasts of Elul call us to reflection, courage, and the comfort of community.
Shabbat Shalom,
Cantor Emily Simkin
Wed, September 3 2025 10 Elul 5785