Shabbat Shuvah

A teaching from Rabbi Alan Lew, Z'el:

Shabbat Shuvah:  For ten days, the gates of teshuvah are open and the world is fluid.  We are finally awake, if only in fits and starts.  For ten days transformation is within our grasp. This is not a linear process, not something that takes a clear nor even discernible path.  But the gates are in fact open, and if our intention is aligned with this spiritual reality, then transformation also opens as a real possibility, even if it doesn't manifest itself right away.  

Source: Lew, Alan. This Is Real and You Are Completely Unprepared: The Days of Awe as a Journey of Transformation, 2003

Selihot

Selihot:  As Selihot and Rosh Hashannah draw near, we remember that the month of Elul is the month of Teshuvah (return).  The first letters of the words, Ani Le-dodi Ve-dodi Li (I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine - from Shir Hashirim) spell Elul.  This reminds us that when we set aside the time and space to allow ourselves to open and return to the source of being, the sacred source of being will return to us.  

Massey - return to our noble selves

Haftorah Massey

Jeremiah  Ch. IV: 1-2: The second of the three readings of admonition before Tisha B’Av, ends with the consolation:  “If you will return, O Israel, says the Lord, Yes, return to Me; and if you will put away your detestable things out of My sight, and will not waver; and will swear: ‘The Lord lives in truth, in justice, and in righteousness; then shall the nations bless themselves by Him, and in Him shall they praise.’”

How do we return to the Lord?  First, we must return to the most noble parts of ourselves.  Then the blessings we receive can flow to others.  May those blessings flow freely and lead to praise.