Before the High Holidays, the Jewish people must look inward - opinion

As the month of Elul begins, the Jewish calendar calls for a difficult introspection. This "accounting of the soul," or cheshbon hanefesh, involves examining one's actions, those hurt, and areas of personal shortfalls. The daily shofar blast serves as a wake-up call for the conscience, emphasizing that true renewal demands honesty and humility. These are prerequisites for repentance and forgiveness.

Soon, Jews worldwide will pray for inclusion in the Book of Life, symbolizing a record of one's deeds and actions. Before requesting this inscription, individuals should reflect on the nature of their year. The past year has been marked by ongoing threats to Jewish communities, both in Israel and abroad, as well as rising antisemitism. Attacks on Jews have occurred in places of worship and public spaces, highlighting the need for introspection.

While facing external threats, Jews must also examine their internal relationships. Have anger, suspicion, and contempt weakened the bonds that have sustained Jewish life? Judaism has never demanded uniformity and has thrived on constructive disagreement. However, today, disagreements sometimes escalate into estrangement and moral excommunication.

To avoid such outcomes, Elul serves as a time for repentance. This may involve having difficult conversations, offering apologies, and listening to differing viewpoints with humility and patience. Leadership within Jewish institutions plays a crucial role in setting the tone for communal life. Leaders must ensure that disputes do not consume the community but rather strengthen it.

Ultimately, repentance is a collective endeavor. As we enter the Days of Awe, it is essential to acknowledge our shortcomings, seek forgiveness, and extend it to others. We must cultivate humility to learn from one another and recognize the shared divine image within each person. By doing so, we can stand united before our Creator in the Book of Life.