Dear Elul Writers,

The 12th of Elul marks the yahrzeit of the Chasidic master R’ Simcha Bunim of Peshischa. A great rebbe and a humble apothecary, R’ Simcha Bunim’s name is most often invoked around the famous teaching that a person should always have two pockets. One pocket should carry a slip of paper that reads: v’anochi afar v’efer / ואנכי עפר ואפר / I am but dust and ash. In the other pocket there should be a slip of paper that reads: bishvili nivra ha-olam / בשבילי נברא העולם / for my sake the world was created. 

While the two teachings stand in contrast to one another, R’ Simcha Bunim points out, each is necessary in its time. When we are feeling particularly proud or self-important, a bit full of ourselves, that is the moment to consider that we are but dust and ash. On the other hand, in times that we are feeling particularly low, unimportant or unworthy, that is the time to dip into the pocket that reminds us that the world was created for our sake.

This is an ever-popular teaching because it is an embodiment of a paradox that we all experience. Our lives are of enormous significance to ourselves, to our friends and families. And, on a cosmic scale, our lives are miniscule and fleeting. R’ Simcha Bunim gives us permission (encourages us!) to live our lives holding that paradox.

So, on this Saturday night, as we return to our cycle through the blasts of the shofar, we focus on the paradoxes within us. Though we begin with wholeness and end with wholeness, the path of teshuvah/return is meant to reveal our cracks, our contradictions and places of tension.

Tekiah-Shvarim-Truah-Tekiah 

DAY 12 PROMPT

Focusing on the shofar's three-part call of shvarim, I invite you to spend this twelfth day searching out your fault lines and fissures. Where are those places where your beliefs rub up against each other? Is there a moment from this last year where your inconsistencies came to light?  How can acknowledging, pocketing and carrying your paradoxes help you walk into the new year in a more surefooted way?

Shavua tov,

Jordan