This week, like so many parents across the country, we are dropping one of our children off at college. Noa will become a freshman at Adelphi University in New York. She is smart, creative and brave. She is ready. Arguably, she’s more than ready. As for her parents, we are convincing ourselves that we too are ready. What could be harder than saying goodbye to your kid? What could be more jarring than watching them go off into the giant world, praying that they will be safe and successful and happy? 

This is the season of new beginnings. While some are entering college or going back to college, some are entering high school or middle school. Some are preparing for their first day of kindergarten. 

It is only fitting that we are in the month of Elul, the Hebrew month that focuses squarely on the start of a new year. It is a time of reflection and great introspection, an opportunity to slow it all down and consider our story. Indeed, no matter where we are in life, this is a time of transition. The weather will soon be changing. Football season is coming(!) Maybe we’re starting a new job. Maybe we’re entering graduate school. It all comes against the backdrop of our holy day season. Rosh Hashanah is just a few weeks away now and, with that, the start of 5787.

Elul has us reflect on these myriad new beginnings in ways that are age-old, measured and meaningful. We turn to the words of our tradition as we seek out guidance and strength. As the ground seemingly shifts beneath our feet, we turn to Psalm 27, for instance, which notes: ‘Only one thing do I ask of the Eternal One, to dwell in the House of God all the days of my life.’ It is a plea that God be with us and our loved ones in our moments of uncertainty and angst. Such verses give us perspective and remind us that we and our people have endured change before. You have endured change before. We all have. You have been through so much and overcome so much. 

Even as our world feels desperately unsure these days and there is so much strife about us, our faith gives us comfort and solace. These holy days, beginning with this sacred month of Elul, are meant to remind us of what matters. We come together as the Jewish family has for generations, praying for a year of peace and blessing. We turn to God above. We turn to each other. We turn within ourselves with gratitude that we are still here, and still striving for fulfillment and goodness.