Word Prompt – ELUL – Solly Hess

How long should an engagement be? On the one hand, the longer it lasts, the more time you have to prepare for the wedding. From choosing the right venue to the caterer and the band, the more time you have, the better organized and executed your simcha will be. But then again, why wait? You found your bashert. Don’t you want to start your life together asap?

I’m ready for Rosh Hashana to start, ready to devote myself and recommit to Hashem. After a year of davening, learning, shul-going and more, it’s pretty clear that Hashem is yours and you are his. Do I really need a month-long engagement of Elul to prepare?

Of course I do. I’m only 42, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned about myself, it’s that there’s always more to learn about myself. And thus, always room to grow. If I’m about to recommit myself, to ask for forgiveness, to show Him how much I value Him, to show Him that I’m worthy of his attention and care, to make sure I’m ready for the year He graciously provides for me – wouldn’t I want as much time as possible to grow as much as I can?

The engagement of Elul is a gift. The venue has been chosen; the logistics are simple. We are given the opportunity to grow as much as we can before Rosh Hashanah, to recommit ourselves with confidence and strength, and to be a worthy and valuable partner to Hashem.