A Shabbat Intention For You

Friday, August 18th | 1 Elul 5783

Dearest Reader,

As I sit here and think about entering into my first Shabbat not at camp in 10 weeks, I’m thinking about how week after week, in the hustle and bustle that was camp, Shabbat was a means of bringing me back into my body, to find a moment of gratitude for the good people and nature I was surrounded by, and take a deep, deep breath, and become present again.

This week we welcomed in a new moon, and today we enter into the new lunar month: Elul. This is the last lunar month before the high holidays. With Elul comes an entire month to prepare for the fresh start that is coming our way. All new moons also present us with an opportunity for intention setting.

As we enter into a season of transition for many - back to school season, the end of summer, the start of fall, and the end of summer camp for those camp people, of course - what intention are you needing to set for yourself?

How would you like to be more present amidst the transition and change you might be experiencing?

As I enter into this Shabbat filled with transition and change for myself, I’m thinking about my grandpa’s favorite piece of Torah:

Ayekah | אֵיכָ֣ה - Where are you?

Hineini | הִנֵּֽנִי - Here I am.

This Shabbat, and for the month of Elul, my intention is to be present. To greet each day with a slower pace than normal. To not let myself feel rushed. To rest and reflect. To enjoy and find joy in the everyday moments.

My Shabbat wish for you is the same.

Ayekah | אֵיכָ֣ה - Where are you?

Shabbat Shalom ❤️ 

Ethically,

Emily