Spirited show of unity

RABBI ILAN ACOCA

Elul and Tishrei are two of my favorite months of the year. The beauty of autumn, coupled with the breathtaking landscapes and seascapes of Vancouver, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, remains striking each time I walk to my synagogue. But more than that, I am excited by the holidays – and the profound meaning underlying them.

Beginning with Rosh Chodesh Elul and culminating with Simchat Torah, we strive toward teshuvah (repentance). It is a time for introspection and reflection regarding our relationship, not only with G-d, but with our fellow beings.

Elul is a well-known acronym for Ani l’dodi v’dodi li, (I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine), alluding to the love the Jewish people have for G-d and G-d for us. (Shir HaShirim, 6:3)

The Chida, Rav Chaim Yosef David Azulai (1724-1807), offers another, less-known verse for the acronym, Elul: Ish l’re’ehu u’matanot la’evyonim (Each person to their friend and gifts to the poor). This speaks of two of the four commandments we observe later in the year, on Purim, including sending portions of food to our neighbors and distributing money to the poor. The Chida explains that, during the month of Elul, we are to reflect upon our relationships with our fellow human beings. It’s a time when we ask for forgiveness and renew our journey with our fellow human beings.

I find that Sephardi traditions place great emphasis on unity and camaraderie. During the different holidays throughout the year, we sing traditional melodies in unison, creating a sense of harmony and solidarity. In addition to Selichot and piyutim during the High Holidays, the melodies of specific chants composed by our Sephardi poets are chanted in the sukkah. Singing together, joyfully with one voice, demonstrating our unity with G-d-and among our people.

In my synagogue, there exists a beautiful tradition harking back to the great Sephardi sage Rav Yosef Chaim of Baghdad, the Ben Ish Chai (1832-1909). Before beginning the Kol Nidre service, we beseech one another for forgiveness. What a hopeful way to begin this holy day, all congregants coming as one to serve G-d by tending to our own, very human relationships.

One of the most powerful messages I have ever received was from a rabbi who told me that, in Sephardi countries, all Jews had a sense of belonging to a synagogue and the Jewish community, irrespective of their levels of observance. People were nonjudgmental and the rabbi would converse easily with everyone. This Judaism was in no way compromising any Jewish law or concept. Rather, it was a Judaism tolerant and accepting, adam lachavero (each of the other). It is an ideal I try to implement in my community.

Instead of each attempting to press one’s own case exclusively before G-d – at the price of delegitimizing others – each helps to ensure his/her own teshuvah by according love and kindness and the benefit of the doubt to others. The judging of our neighbors is, after all, best left to them and to G-d. Only our love, kindness and respect can help them – and us – in our respective teshuvot.

Let us all adopt this important message during the month of Elul – to recognize the humanity of others and to show tolerance to those who are different, without compromising our own convictions. This very Jewish approach goes a long way to assuring room for each, and joy for all.

Rabbi Ilan Acoca has been spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Hamidrash for the last 10 years. A version of this article appeared in the Canadian Jewish News.

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