Temple Emanu-El of Bayonne, NJ

As we approach the month of Ellul, we are reminded of the upcoming Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah. In this sacred time of introspection and renewal, we have the opportunity to reflect on our relationship with God and embrace the innocence and sweetness it holds. Let us delve into the profound meaning behind the verse from the Song of Songs,” Ani L’dodi V’dodi li” – “I am to my beloved and my beloved is to me” – and discover the spiritual vow of endearment and unity it represents.

Ellul, as the month preceding Tishri, carries immense significance. Its name, derived from Babylonian origins, holds a deeper acrostic message that the Talmudic sages  emphasized. The first letter of each word is extracted to form the name of the month Ellul which is spelled Alef-Lamed-Vav-Lamed in Hebrew. Each letter represents the beginning of a word that forms the verse “Ani L’dodi  V’dodi li.” Essentially, it serves as a gentle reminder that our relationship with God should be one filled with love and tenderness.

This relationship resembles the bond of a groom and bride under the chuppah. The bride, proclaiming the verse, expresses her commitment and devotion to her beloved. Similarly, we are called to reaffirm our spiritual vows of endearment and unity with God during this season. We are invited to embrace the innocence and sweetness of our interactions with the Divine.

In this fast-paced world, it’s easy to become entangled in the complexities of life, forgetting the simplicity and purity of our relationship with God. We may find ourselves caught up in the daily grind, rituals, prayers, and obligations, but the essence lies in the innocence of our connection. It is a relationship rooted in trust, love, and intimacy.

As we enter this season of reflection, let us take a step back, allowing the innocence of our faith to reignite and rejuvenate our spirits. Remember the times when our hearts overflowed with childlike wonder at the grace and phenomenon of existence itself.   Recall the moments when you approached God with innocence and vulnerability, closeness and guidance. Where were you at those sacred moments? Can you recall it and enter once again into the sacred realm of Ani  L’dodi V’dodi Li. It’s a relationship, not a physical place. It’s a feeling not a thought. Can you reignite it? That’s what Ellul is all about.

Just as the bride’s proclamation under the chuppah carries deep significance, our spiritual vow of endearment and unity with God holds immense power. It is a pledge to nurture and cultivate a relationship founded on trust, faith, and love. It’s a vow that encapsulates our desire to seek God wholeheartedly and open ourselves to our relationship. You might think of it as a renewal of vows.

As we stand on the threshold of a new year, let us embrace the innocence of all our relationships. May our hearts be filled with the sweetness and joy that flows from an intimate bond with that mysterious creative force that makes everything happen.  Come to Synagogue with your family and friends on Rosh Hashanah and we’ll work on this important project together.

Shana Tova! May we all be inscribed for a year of blessings, love, good health, happiness, prosperity and an ever-deepening relationship with God, our family, friends and synagogue community. Amen!