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By: Rabbi Dr. Abraham Unger
When I was a college Hillel Rabbi I gave what I think might be the shortest High Holiday sermon ever delivered. At Rosh HaShanah eve services one year, I asked the students, “Who are you now, and who do you want to be?”
Today, on this Sabbath eve, we are observing Rosh Chodesh Elul, the beginning of the month of Elul. Traditionally, this is a time on the Jewish calendar when we begin reflecting to prepare for the New Year starting next month, in Tishrei.
In yeshiva, this month’s study cycle even has a special name. It is called “Elul Zman”, the semester of Elul. Some scholars start reading works on repentance and character during these weeks of self-examination. But, the two succinct questions I asked a group of college students are at the core of this season of looking inward.
Judaism is convinced that at any stage of life we can still evolve and grow. We know by our thoughts and actions who we are as spiritual creatures. Deep down, we all have a sense of our strengths and weaknesses if we have a moral compass and are being honest with ourselves.
What then of tomorrow? Are we satisfied with personal stagnation? Do we simply wish to always see the world through the same eyes, or are we courageous enough to imagine we can yet become something more? The Torah believes in us. We have been worthy enough to earn its Mitzvot.
These are the days to believe in each of our own unique potentials. The story is never over. It is up to us how we will write our next chapter.