Rabbinic Musings | August 2025

Today, August 25, is the first day of Elul, the final month of the Jewish year. Elul ushers in the High Holy Day season, for it leads directly to Tishrei, the month that begins with Rosh HaShanah — the first day of the new year. This year, Rosh HaShanah will begin on the evening of September 22.

The Rabbis teach that the name of this month, Elul (the Hebrew letters aleph, lamed, vav, lamed), is an acronym for a verse from the Song of Songs: "Ani l’dodi v’dodi li." (“I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.”) This hidden meaning teaches that we are bound to one another. This bond is what we call Jewish peoplehood. 

And in a world shaken by rising antisemitism and riven by painful divisions within the Jewish community itself, Elul reminds us that our community’s strength is discovered in our solidarity and support for one another. This is what makes Temple Ohav Shalom such an important part of our lives.

May this Elul embolden us to treasure and nurture the bonds of Jewish peoplehood that we share at Temple Ohav Shalom. And may the year 5786 bring blessings to us all. 

Let me be the first to wish you "l’shanah tovah."  

Rabbi Aaron Bisno

Author

Rabbi Aaron Bisno, Senior Rabbi, Temple Ohav Shalom