September 2017

Returning to School During the Month of Elul

The month of Elul is both the 6th month and the last month of the Jewish Year. Most importantly, however, it is the month that precedes the High Holidays, and it is regarded as a month of introspection and preparation as we ready ourselves for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. The Rabbis of antiquity laid out many rules for us to work on our spiritual and ethical readiness. And, in contemporary times, people have designed tools to help us embrace this month as an opportunity for growth and focus.
 
This year, the month of Elul falls right at the beginning of the school year, which is also a time of great preparation. Planning for a school though can feel rushed, overwhelming, and administrative by nature. This hustle and bustle vibe hardly lends itself to a time for us to slow down and reflect because there is so much to do. On the other hand, perhaps Elul comes at just the right time.
 
How can the lessons and experiences of this month of inward exploration guide us as we prepare for the new school year? This edition of our newsletter will give you many ideas how the month of Elul and back-to-school planning go hand in hand:

• Teaching Children About Elul?! Here's how!
• The Weight of Our Words. ​Can a pound of feathers weigh as much as a pound of lead? So can a pound of words.
• Creating Spiritual Space in our Classrooms. Great tips for Elul and all year long.
• Changing the Feedback Loop. Communications during Elul and beyond...
• Training for the High Holidays Like a Marathon! Pace yourself, y'all.

 
May we a have a meaningful Elul AND a productive back-to-school season.