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We are in the middle of the final month of the Jewish calendar, the month of Elul. For Rabbis and Cantors particularly, it is a very busy month on so many levels. The Rabbi part of me is crafting four sermons for Rosh Hashanah (two evening and two daytime), two sermons for Yom Kippur, and I think six sermons for Sukkot. The Cantor part of me is reviewing the entire Machzor, refamiliarizing myself as well as contemplating how to refresh ancient texts. I must decide which two Torot to utilize this year and roll them to the proper places. I must take out the special Torah mantels, and not forget to bring a yad. I am assisting those who need further encouragement as they prepare their Torah readings, as well as preparing those readings that no one has volunteered to read. Since we continue to meet in Calvary Episcopal Church, I’m compiling the list of everything that I need to bring with me, including three Sifrei Torah, my robes, tallit, machzorim, supplemental readings notebook, printed copies of the honors lists, and so forth. Cantorial Soloist Sarah Nadler and I continue to meet to prepare the best possible services and be certain that we are in sync. Cantors who have choirs are also rehearsing with their choirs. A very busy month for Jewish clergy indeed, not to ignore the incredible efforts of so many volunteers who see to it that everything runs smoothly. Here is my big question: Why does every Jewish organization known to humanity insist on having a meeting or special event this month?

There are twelve months in the Jewish calendar, thirteen if a leap year. The month of Tishrei is certainly a very busy month, with holy days comprising eleven days of this thirty-day month. It is generally not a good month to hold meetings, yet undoubtedly there will be ones. My question to the greater Jewish community is, knowing what you now know about how busy the month of Elul is for every Rabbi and Cantor, why do so many hold special events and meetings during Elul? I can appreciate the desire to have me present at these gatherings, but why Elul, when there are ten other lovely months to gather (I’m excluding Elul  and Tishrei)?

I’d like to propose that we declare a moratorium on special events and meetings during the month of Elul, enabling not only the Rabbis and Cantors the space to prepare properly for the coming holy days, but also to better utilize Elul as a period of introspection, and not only for each of us individually. Organizations should also reflect upon the past year. How effective were we in reaching our goals? What were the high points? What were the things that we could have done better? How might we improve upon those things? What can we do better to fulfill our mission? Perhaps a simple document might be created incorporating some of these questions, to provide those entrusted with the leadership of the organization (professional staff as well as lay leaders) an opportunity to carefully reflect upon the trajectory of the organization. It is one thing for each of us to utilize the month of Elul for personal growth and improvement. Why can’t it be the same for our organizations? And by the way, after you have tabulated the results into a report, please don’t hold the meeting during Elul.