Shalom to my Bnai Shalom family!
On the 1st of Elul, we begin our countdown to Rosh Hashanah and the Yamim Nora'im, the Days of Awe. It is customary during this time to engage in cheshbon hanefesh, the accounting of our souls. As we prepare for the holidays, we have the opportunity to reflect on the past year, to make amends for those we have wronged, and tocommit ourselves to doing better. Elul reminds us that we do not have to wait until Rosh Hashanah. The time is now.
One of our mitzvot is tza'ar ba'alei cḥayim, to prevent the suffering of living creatures. The principle is simple: We must not cause animals any unnecessary pain. We do not hurt them for fun or sport. We give them food and water before preparing and eating our own meals. There are limits set on how we are permitted to use them for work and strict requirements for the care and slaughter of kosher animals used for food.
The 1st of Elul is also Rosh Hashanah LaB'heimot – the New Year for (Domesticated) Animals. As we engage in the process of examining our own souls, Rosh Hashanah LaB'heimot directs us to consider how we are caring for the souls of the animals around us, from our pets to those that are grown for our consumption, from those that provide entertainment for us to those whose lives depend on our mindful stewardship of their habitats.
I look forward to sharing this season of reflection with you as we prepare ourselves for High Holy Days and the new year of 5787.
Chodesh Tov! Have a great month!
Rabbi Adrienne :)
Rabbi@bnaishalomeaston.org
Cell Phone: 609-577-6842
SERVING THE JEWISH COMMUNITY OF EASTON SINCE 1839