#Elul5778

[jewish-education]

Elul 5

Rabbinic tradition teaches that we all have two opposing forces compelling us: yetzer hara and yetzer tov. Some rabbis teach that we need a balance of “yetzer hara” (selfishness) and “yetzer tov” (selflessness). Without selflessness, the world would obviously be a cruel place, and we would forget mitzvot that involve looking out for others. But without selfishness, the world would also be desolate. No one would have children, build themselves a house, or express themselves with art. In this framework, how well have you balanced your “yetzer hara” and “yetzer tov” this past year. Which do you need to listen to more this coming year?

[jewish-education]

Elul 24

Sometimes there’s someone who won’t forgive you. Maybe you can’t apologize because they passed away or you have no way of getting in touch with them. Or maybe no matter what you do or how much you apologize and change they just aren’t ready to forgive you. Which of the steps of teshuva (from day 17’s prompt) can you complete? How will you do this?

[jewish-education]

Elul 25

While Judaism generally discourages us from dwelling on loved ones who have passed away, Elul is traditionally a time to visit cemetaries and honor loved ones who are no longer with us. Is there someone you’ve missed this year? What can you do to honor them? If you aren’t missing someone this year, watch BimBam’s video “A Jewish Guide to Helping Your Friend in Mourning” then read “Helping Someone Who’s Grieving.” Think of a friend or family member who may be reliving a loss this Elul. What can you do to support them?

[jewish-education]

Elul 28

This coming Shabbat we will read parsha Nitzavim which contains Deuteronomy 30:11-14:  

In what ways has teshuva been closer than you expected this month? In what ways has it been farther? What do you still need to work on as you enter the Ten Days of Awe (time between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur) and the new year beyond?

[jewish-education]

Elul 23

Read “Is Forgiveness Necessary?” by Rabbi David J. Blumenthal. Sometimes someone who’s wronged us won’t repent. They might have passed away before getting a chance, or refused to apologize or to change their ways. Do you think we should forgive such a person anyways? If not, how can you let go and move on without their repentance?

[jewish-education]

Elul 3

Who or what do you feel distant from right now? What changes could you make to feel more connected?

(From @better-latke-than-never‘s post “Expressive Elul Writing Prompts.”)

[jewish-education]

Elul15

Write a list of all of the pressing, negative feelings that you have. Write down grudges, fears and bad memories. Make sure to be clear and expressive. Now, burn it, tear it into pieces and throw it into a river, bury it or crumple it up and throw it away. Whatever will feel like letting it go.

From @better-latke-than-never’s post “Expressive Elul Writing Prompts.”

[jewish-education]

Elul 18

What does it mean to be grateful to have reached this season? What are you grateful to have experienced?

From @better-latke-than-never’s post “Expressive Elul Writing Prompts.”

[jewish-education]

The first 7 Elul prompts are up but I also need sleep. The rest will be up before Elul starts :) Not linking because the page isn’t done. Get hyped! (If that’s an appropriate emotion to have about teshuva?? I guess people get hyped about self improvement all the time...?)

I’ll be posting them under #Elul5778 and #Elul2018. Feel free to use either if you blog your answers. I will generally not be blogging my answers. I also don’t recommend blogging your answers, but y’all are grown up enough to make your own decisions. I however will use these tags for talking about Elul and teshuva outside the questions (i.e. readings, articles, further thoughts).

[jewish-education]

Elul 8

What do you What do you regret most from the past year? With this distance, what would you do differently?

From @better-latke-than-never’s post “Expressive Elul Writing Prompts.”

[jewish-education]

Elul 6

“What Would Biblical Women Do?” by Alessandra Wollner on page 4 of “At the Well: Month of Elul.” The two questions on the top of the first column.

[jewish-education]

Elul 9

What are you hoping for this year? What would does your good and sweet new year look like?

From @better-latke-than-never’s post “Expressive Elul Writing Prompts.”

[jewish-education]

Elul 21

What does it mean to you to be called upon? How is it different to be held to a high standard by a parent, teacher, partner or Hashem?

From @better-latke-than-never’s post “Expressive Elul Writing Prompts.”  

[jewish-education]

Elul 12

Are there people that you feel you need to ask forgiveness from? What is stopping you?

From @better-latke-than-never’s post “Expressive Elul Writing Prompts.”

[jewish-education]

Elul 4

What does teshuva mean? What would you like to return to?

(From @better-latke-than-never‘s post “Expressive Elul Writing Prompts.”)

[jewish-education]

Elul 10

What do you fear most right now? What would a bad year look like to you?

From @better-latke-than-never’s post “Expressive Elul Writing Prompts.”