Engaging w/ Elul August 24, 2013

Not so long ago, I joined with some good friends and community members for something we called ‘BBB’, Bikes, Baristas & Bible.  We enjoyed a leisurely pedal in North Phoenix, enjoyed coffee at a local favorite - Press, and explored the week’s Torah portion.  It was a great way for me to prep a d’var torah (even though I should have been finalizing it by then) and move into Shabbat.  One of the great take aways from that time in my life and our many conversations on the importance of Shabbat was about work ethic.  My dear friends, and fellow cyclists, Jason Kaller, Dave Taylor and I spent much time discussing how to make Shabbat meaningful in a modern way.  We were attempting to find a path towards וינפש (Vayinafash - refreshment and renewal), but in a way that reflected our understanding of our authentic Judaism.

One conclusion we came to was that the rest, the specialness of Shabbat, is only meaningful if we work our tails off the other six days.  The contrast of Shabbat from the rest of the week is to what we should aim.  To truly set it apart, we must find that difference.  Often it comes not just in distinguishing between work and no work, but in the kind of effort(s), the intention behind the output of energies and how they become value added to our lives.

On this final Shabbat before Slichot, the first time we hear the High Holy Day melodies, how can you distinguish Shabbat from the rest of the week?  How, in an authentic way to who you are, can you discover, or continue to discover, וינפש (Vayinafash - refreshment and renewal)?

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Evon