NINETY-FOUR
Rosh ChodeshThe new moon, which marks the beginning of the Jewish month. According to tradition, because women did not participate in the sin of the golden calf, they were given the holiday of Rosh Chodesh. It is customary for women not to work on Rosh Chodesh. Elul
Fighting the languor of sultry days,
We begin the turning, back to You;
Moving against the heat of our hearts,
Against the anger inside, we turn.
Call us to begin the examination, Healing God;
Call for us to remove the garment of our deceit,
The fears that bind us away from You.
Chafing at our tender miseries.
In the month of Elul, we uncover our secrets,
Examining them with a truthful heart,
Counting the pulse beats of our life,
The selfish pressures we apply and resist.
Call us to the consultation of our souls,
For You are a God of healing and mercy;
Call us to begin without delay,
That Elul might draw us near to You.
