Dvar Torah for the Month of Elul

Based on Likutey Halakhot, Pesach 7:16, 20

Some Bold Predictions for 5766

Something political controversy will happen in the State of Israel.
One week after Rosh Hashanah Yom Kippur will occur.
Days later Sukkot will happen.
Approximately two months after Sukkot it will be Chanukah.
A month before Pesach Jews across the globe will celebrate Purim.
Hundreds of thousands of Jews will matzah at the Seder!
There will be 50 Shabbats in 5766.
There will be days when you feel tired, frustrated and angry.
You and someone you know will disagree strongly.
One or more instances of Murphy's Law will intrude on your life.

OK, so these predictions aren't bold. But that's the point. The Jewish calendar is already in place. We know that Shabbat and all the holy days are coming and when. We already have God's invitation to stop, settle ourselves, re-focus and draw some more holiness into our lives.

We also know that God wants to give us the gift of His presence. Often, for whatever reason, He likes to give this as a surprise. We know that too. So we have to be alert.

Yet between the scheduled and unscheduled opportunities for awareness, there will be stretches in which we may feel overwhelmed by the events of our personal lives and the noise and fear generated by happenings in the world at large. There will be periods when are concentration wanes or altogether disappears.

Rebbe Nachman advises us to be smart on Rosh Hashanah, to think only good thoughts, in particular that God will be good to us. In addition to the necessities of livelihood and health, make sure to ask for faith so that you can make your way through the waves of confusion you may encounter. Ask for the ability to receive His kindness, to feel *geshmak* (tastiness) in your mitzvot, to overcome your weaknesses, and to use your strong points wisely and well. Ask that instead of having to spend money on doctors and medicines that you "lose" the money to worthwhile charities.

May the suffering and pain of this year end and may the blessings of the coming year begin.