Elul Prompt

How I Made My Way

This past year has held profound grief, fear, and anxiety. Many of us are all still in the throes of so much heartache.

And yet… we are here. On the precipice of 5785.

When our ancestors made the treacherous journey through the wilderness, a mysterious, holy cloud protected them from the scorching sun during the day. When the cloud rested, the people camped. When the cloud moved, they trusted that it was safe to take some tentative steps forward. This is how they navigated the uncertainty.

To help us prepare for High Holy Days this year—in a time of so much upheaval—we want to honor the mysterious forces that have helped each of us through the past year, even as we felt lost in the wilderness.

What—or who—sustained you?

Our hope is that in sharing these reflections, we will remember the goodness that exists, even in the midst of great heartache.

Please take a few moments over the next few weeks to reflect, and then write about what got you through this year. Regular calls with a close friend? A group chat? A yoga practice? A great TV show? A new job? A new puppy? Who comforted you? What inspired you?

We invite you to share your reflection, maximum 1500 characters, attributed or anonymous, by September 13, 2024. As in past years, we will share these reflections with our community over the holidays.