Elul: A Journey of Soul-Searching, Personal Growth, and Compassion in the Digital Age
We are now in the Jewish month of Elul, a time traditionally devoted to introspection, spiritual renewal, and personal growth. Elul serves as a gateway to the High Holidays, a period of profound self-examination and transformation in which we are asked to scrutinize our actions, attitudes, and relationships over the past year. Elul serves as an opportunity to release past burdens, mend relationships, and set clear intentions for the year ahead. I've written about this time extensively in previous editions of this newsletter, and I will share some of those links below.Â
Recently, I worked with some future rabbis on the concept of Teshuva, which is often translated into English as repentance. The Hebrew word Teshuva indicates return, which is an action to be taken, and we often describe Teshuva as an action returning to our best selves—much of my conversation with the rabbis in training centered on our digital interactions. So today, I invite you to consider how the themes of Elul apply to our digital lives—mainly how we communicate and treat others online.
Soul-Searching: Embracing Self-Discovery in Our Online Interactions
In Jewish tradition, the practice of Heshbon Hanefesh, or "accounting of the soul," encourages us to reflect on our actions and intentions. In today's world, this reflection should also extend to our digital footprint—our emails, messages, and social media communications. How do our online interactions align with our values? Are we the people we aspire to be, even behind a screen? Have our words or actions online caused harm, whether intentionally or not? This process invites us to grow, reminding us that our digital selves are an extension of who we are and that we can shape this identity with care and integrity.
Behind every screen is a real person with real emotions. In moments of frustration or haste, it's easy to forget this and post something or write something we might later regret. This month, consider the impact of your words online. Have you contributed to positivity and respect, or have you added to the noise of negativity? Have you stayed true to your values, or have your words harmed others? Our digital selves should reflect the same integrity we bring to our in-person lives. By being mindful, we can ensure that our online interactions reflect our best selves and contribute to a more compassionate digital community.
Teshuva: Returning to Your True Self in the Digital Realm
As I mentioned above, Teshuva is about returning to our best selves. In the digital realm, it means recognizing where we might have strayed—whether through harsh words, thoughtless comments, or spreading misinformation—and making a conscious effort to realign with our best selves. Teshuva in our online interactions is about reclaiming our potential to be kind, respectful, and thoughtful.
Here are some steps that might help you achieve this:
1. Reflect on Your Digital Behavior: Take time to reflect on your online interactions—whether through email, messaging, or social media. Have there been moments where you were less kind, respectful, or thoughtful than you intended? Identifying these moments is the first step toward change.
2. Acknowledge and Apologize: If you realize that your words online have hurt someone, consider reaching out to them directly to apologize. A sincere apology can help mend relationships and show that you value kindness and respect in your communications.
3. Correct Misinformation: If you've shared something that turns out to be false or misleading, take responsibility by correcting it publicly. This shows integrity and helps maintain a truthful and respectful digital environment.
4. Set Intentions for Future Interactions: Commit to being more mindful in your online presence. Before posting, commenting, or replying, ask yourself: Does this align with my values? Is it kind, respectful, and constructive? Taking a moment to pause can prevent future missteps.
5. Cultivate a Positive Digital Environment: Actively contribute to creating a positive online space by sharing content that uplifts, educates, and inspires. Encourage respectful dialogue, and be a model for the kind of digital communication you wish to see.
Missing the Mark: Embracing Our Humanity Online
The Hebrew word for sin, chet, is understood as "missing the mark." This concept applies just as much to our online lives as it does to our offline actions. Sometimes, in the heat of the moment or under the guise of anonymity, we may miss the mark—saying things we regret or acting in ways that don't align with our values. Recognizing this helps us approach our online missteps with compassion, understanding that we all make mistakes. What's important is how we respond—do we ignore the impact of our actions, or do we learn from them, apologize when needed, and strive to do better?
Elul: A Portal to Renewal in Our Digital Lives
Elul presents a unique opportunity to reset and recalibrate—not just in our personal lives but in our digital lives as well. It's a reminder that we are not defined by past missteps but by our willingness to grow and improve. This month invites us to engage in self-reflection, seek forgiveness from those we may have wronged online, and extend that same forgiveness to ourselves. It's a time to reconnect with the core of who we are and to ensure that our digital presence aligns with our values and contributes positively to our digital communications.
As we embark on this journey through Elul, let's embrace the spirit of soul-searching, personal growth, and the recognition that we all sometimes miss the mark—both offline and online. Let's use this sacred time to aim higher, ensure that our digital communications reflect our most authentic selves, and prepare our hearts and our online spaces for the new year ahead.
As you reflect on the themes of Elul, I invite you to explore some of my previous writings on this sacred time, which offer deeper insights into introspection, repentance, and renewal.
