INTRODUCTION:

The month of Elul begins August 14^th, 2026. This new month is significant because the month of Elul is one of 4 new years’ described in the Talmud. It is also the month prior to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur so it’s a chance to begin mental and spiritual preparations for the new year. The four letters that make up the month (E-L-U-L, or א-ל-ו-ל) have been used in acrostics to derive different meanings from this month. This program is a chance to learn two popular acrostics for Elul and then use them as a catalyst for creativity and spiritual growth for the new year. 

MATERIALS:

• Teachings for 2 meanings of Elul (below) 
• Materials for acrostic pictures  
  • Art canvas 
  • Art Pens  
  • Decorations 
• Plain paper and pens for practice 
• Snacks  

PROGRAM OUTLINE (1 hour):

• [part one:] Elul as a catalyst for change 
• [part two] Elul crafting 
• [part three] Elul sharing and snacking 

[part one] (20 mins)

• Share the two concepts of Elul as an acrostic related to God and the new year.  
  • Concept One: In the month of Elul, it is taught that God reconciles with Israel and becomes like a beloved to them; thereby inspiring repentance. This is related to the text from Shir HaShirim, Song of Songs, I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine. (Nachal Eshkol, 18^th century text) 
    • What does it mean to be in a relationship with God? 
    • This text is used in weddings, how you feel about it being used in this context? 
  • Concept Two: God will open your heart and the hearts of your offspring during this time of introspection. This idea comes from a phrase in Deuteronomy (Eit L’vavcha, v’eit l’vav). This idea of opening your heart to God is explained in this Chasidic text that likens it to Elul as well. 
    • Are there impediments that hinder you opening your heart to God? 
    • How can you open your heart to God in this season? 

[part two] (30 mins) 

• Based on these 2 texts, it is possible to use Elul as an acrostic to talk about a relationship with God. It’s also a change to think about change in the new year.  
• Using the materials, come up with your own acrostic for the new year. Either using the letters ELUL and finding words that express your growth for the new year, or using your name, or some other word that motivates you.  
• Allow people to craft what they might want to say and then craft it out on a piece to keep. 

[part three] (10 mins) 

• When most people are done crafting, spend some time sharing (if they are comfortable) or processing what this means to them.  
  • Discussion: 
    • Are there goals for the new year?  
    • Things to work on?  
    • How can you use Elul as a tool for preparation to get you in the High Holy Day mindset?