As Jews living in America, we live in two time zones—that of the secular calendar, and that of the Jewish calendar. As the warm days of summer flow into the crisper, shorter days of fall, Rosh Hashanah, the beginning of the Jewish year, beckons to us and invites us to step into "Jewish time."

The Jewish Year ushers in the Days of Awe, a ten day period that culminates on Yom Kippur, the day of repentance, and then leads to the festival of Sukkot. We often experience our greatest engagement with the Jewish flow of time during that period. Then, the pace of Jewish holidays recedes, and the secular year picks up steam—with school, work, and everything else—we often put Jewish time on the back burner. To keep ourselves rooted in Jewish time we cling to Shabbat as an anchor, but frankly, for many of us, Shabbat, too, gives way to secular time.

Thus, as each summer ends, we suddenly return to Jewish time for Rosh Hashanah. Yet, having lost track of Jewish time during the year, we may find ourselves feeling a bit out of kilter, "out of time"—we feel not really ready for the High Holidays. Sitting in Synagogue on Rosh Hashanah, Jewish time may seem strange, even foreign. Try as we might, it may be a struggle to connect with the liturgy or with the great themes of the holiday.

This year, to avoid that disconnected feeling, I urge you to jump back into Jewish time right now. Grab hold of Jewish time and enjoy its rhythms.

The work of Rosh Hashanah—self-reflection, seeking forgiveness, and re-centering ourselves to lives devoted to Jewish ideals of study, service, and acts of loving kindness—does not come easily (who, after all, readily admits to one’s mistakes?). It is unrealistic to think we can stroll into services on Rosh Hashanah without any preparation,, and by the end of Yom Kippur, come out renewed and improved  personalities. This year the last month of the Jewish year Elul begins with the new moon on the evening of August 31. It provides us with an opportunity to prepare spiritually and emotionally for the Days of Awe, so that when Rosh Hashanah arrives we are open, receptive, and ready to meet the challenge of teshuvah (repentance), and to feel more comfortable in Jewish time.

Here are a few things we can do get ourselves engaged in Jewish time during the month of Elul. Attending Shabbat services is a good place to start. Take a look elsewhere at our bulletin. You’ll see that our congregation offers a wide array of services, in different styles and at different times—even services in the park! As is traditional, we will hold a special evening service on Saturday evening September 20^th, when we will recite particularly beautiful prayers of forgiveness, known as "selichot." Second, decide now to set aside time this year for Jewish study. Our Jewish Learning Committee is offering many new classes this year—at various times, and on various subjects—there is no greater delight than sitting with friends and giving your mind and spirit a nice Talmudic massage! Go for it! In order to get us up to speed for the Days of Awe, CBE is offering workshops on September 13, 20 and 27. Third, Elul is the season to re-dedicate ourselves to our community by giving tzedakah. Soon, you will be receiving a letter from me about our Annual Fund and the Yom Kippur Appeal. In uncertain economic times, and with the renovation of our Temple House underway, it is critical that you open your heart, and give generously to our congregation. Fourth, Elul begins the process of our asking forgiveness for wrongs done to other people. Turn to your loved ones, to your family and friends and ask for forgiveness. By taking these four steps, we can get ourselves ready to fully engage in Jewish time as the New Year begins.

I look forward to personally wishing you a L’shanah Tovah Tikatevu, "May you be inscribed for a good year," at Rosh Hashanah services.

L’shalom,

David P. Kasakove