Reflections by Shlomo Elkan
Personal reflections on Jewish life, memory, teshuva, and the experiences that continue to shape how I see the world.
Sunday School
Nearly three months into life in Jerusalem, I'm still having trouble with Sundays. But adjusting to a new weekly rhythm has me thinking about the habits we take for granted, the limitations we place on ourselves, and a fascinating teaching from Tanya about the importance of going just one step beyond what's familiar.
Beginning With a Broken Heart
What does it mean to begin again when you cannot leave your past behind? A personal reflection on Bereishis, teshuva, the desire to teach, and the difficult work of becoming someone new while carrying everything that came before.
Time to Get Real
What happens after Yom Kippur, when the confessions are over and Sukkos asks us to leave the security of our homes? This year, building a sukkah in Jerusalem while still tripping over boxes from our move left me thinking about vulnerability, the walls we build around ourselves, and what real teshuvah asks of us once the holidays are over.
Bound Together
After many years on shlichus, I have come to recognize how deeply loneliness affected me, even while I was constantly surrounded by people. A Sukkos filled with unexpected hugs, singing, and friendship helped me understand the Arba Minim in a new way: even the person who brings people together needs to be gathered in.
Finding Space, Part II: At the Closing of the Gates
By Neilah, I had sweat through my kapote, kittel, and tallis. The shul was stifling, neighboring minyanim sang through open windows, and the building seemed to sway. Then I lifted my machzor and realized it was drenched not only with sweat, but with tears of regret, strength, and hope.
Finding Space, Part I: Entering Yom Kippur
On Kol Nidrei night in Jerusalem, the streets filled with people dressed in white, and our synagogue had barely an inch of space to spare. Yet somewhere in that crowded room, surrounded by family, friends, and strangers, I found an unexpected kind of space: room to pray as part of something larger.
Teshuvah Beyond the High Holidays
We sometimes imagine that the more terrible we feel, the more sincere our teshuvah must be. But feeling terrible is not the same as becoming better. Teshuvah asks us to face what we have done, make the necessary repairs, and still believe that change is possible.
This Year, I Stand Before God
After years of helping others find their place on Rosh Hashanah, I’m preparing to enter the holiday without that familiar role and learn how to stand there myself.