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High Holy Days
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Elul

Elul

2025 Elul Programming  |  Online Elul Resources  |  High Holiday Programming

What is Elul?

Elul, the month of the Hebrew calendar that immediately precedes Rosh Hashanah, presents us with an opportunity to reflect on the year that has passed in order to have the best possible experience of the year to come.

This year, we invite you to use the month of Elul to meditate on our theme: Renewal and Rebuilding

What are the traditional customs?

The Blowing of the Shofar: It is tradition to blow the shofar every weekday after morning services to rouse us from complacency and jolt us into repentance.

Psalm 27: It is customary to recite daily Psalm 27, which assures us of God’s protection and also pleas that he not forsake his people.

Selichot: The prayers of forgiveness called Selichot, including also the 13 Attributes of Mercy, are recited during Elul. Some communities begin the recitation at the beginning of Elul, though Ashkenazi Jews generally begin the practice on the Saturday prior to Rosh Hashanah.

Elul’s Weekly Torah Readings: The Torah readings during the month of Elul provide timely cues for people to awaken to reflection and observe their lives…

  • Parashat Re’eh – Reminds us to see clearly the possibilities presented in each moment and to choose the path of blessing.
  • Parashat Shoftim – Invites us to consider the unfinished business that tears at our hearts.
  • Parashat Ki Teitzei – Demands that rather than impulsively ceding to our desires, we watch them for deeper truths to be revealed.

The Significance of Elul

The idea of repentance in Jewish thought is a return to the path of righteousness. Devoting an entire month to take dedicated steps of introspection, assessment, goal setting and forgiveness (of both your own transgressions as well as those of others), provides a clean slate and a purposeful path into a new year that is guided by truth and mercy. Our rabbis and Jewish leaders of old knew that this could not be done in a day, and with the customs of Elul, they set their people up for successfully leaving one year behind and beginning fresh in the new year.

2025 Programming 
PJTC has prepared many resources and programming to help inspire and guide your readiness for the New Year.

Elul Workshops: Thursdays at 7:30PM

September 4
Please join Rabbi Ratner for an exploration of one of the signature prayers of the High Holy Days, Unetaneh Tokef. We will examine its theology and discuss its contemporary resonance so that you can engage with this powerful prayer in a deeper way throughout the upcoming Yamim Noraim.

September 11
Join Rabbi Jill in the important work of cheshbon hanefesh (accounting of the soul). We'll explore some poetry, meditation, and discussion as a way to prepare our souls and hearts for the upoming High Holy Days.

September 18
Please join Cantor Ruth as we dive into the sound of the High Holy Days. Get ready to learn and explore new niggunim (wordless melodies), and brush up on old, loved ones.
 

Shema Circles: Sign Up Coming Soon! 
"Shema" comes from the Hebrew root "to listen." When you sign up for Shema Circles, you are making a 1-hour, October-May monthly commitment to a special group of 8-10 congregants. You'll spend the academic year learning, sharing, laughing and making new discoveries together through a combination of Jewish and secular source material. If you have any questions about the discussion content or format, just email rabbijill@pjtc.net.

Community Selichot
Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 6:00PM

Setting the stage for the High Holy Days, Selichot is a late night service that instills in us the feelings of awe and introspection. Through text and melody, we intentionally begin the High Holy Day season. Begin the season of reflection with sweetness and soul! This evening will include a teen discussion—stay tuned for information!

6:00 PM - Apple-Themed Pre-Service Gathering
Ease into the evening with apple-inspired delights, appletinis & spiked or non-spiked apple cider and a catered light dinner buffet. Connect with community as we begin to reflect on the year past and the one ahead.

7:00 PM - Selichot Service
Step into the spirit of the High Holy Days with a traditional Selichot service led by Rabbi Ratner and Cantor Ruth.

Let this soulful evening set the tone for a meaningful High Holy Day season.
We can't wait to share it with you. Please register here. (Different link from High Holy Day registration.)

Listen to the Melodies of the Season 
Cantor Ruth and the davening team have recorded a few of the prayers that we deeply associate with the High Holy Days. Click here to listen! We encourage you to play these melodies in your homes to begin creating your spiritual space.

Online Resources

Prayer:

You too can blow the shofar!

  • Click here to watch a how-to video on blowing the shofar.

Engaging Elul as a Family:

  • Click here to read a My Jewish Learning article to help guide family members of all ages toward an enriching Elul.
  • See our ELUL for kids activity suggestions below! (click on the image to open and download a PDF)

Tue, August 26 2025 2 Elul 5785