August 26, 2008

25 Menachem Av 5768

Rabbanim Chashuvim,

A pulpit rabbi’s preparation for the month of Elul and the Yamim Noraim has been one of the greatest challenges faced by rabbanim throughout history. His congregation will be at its fullest during these 6 weeks. His ability to communicate on all levels, from the youngest of children to the most aged of congregants, as well as the nuances of varying levels of religious observance, is, to say the least, a daunting task to be accomplished. Perhaps the greatest challenge is the balancing act he plays between the significant preparation time needed for these chagim and the much-needed vacation during the summer period, a time to refresh, recharge and renew.

No seasoned climber of Mount Everest—which, at a minimum, takes 9 days to reach its summit—would spend less than 3 months to prepare his gear, his trail, his plan to reach the top. How much more so, for a rabbinic leader, who has to invest the emotional and spiritual preparation necessary for him to reach the peak of the Yamim Noraim and to help his kehilla to arrive there with him?

The National Council of Young Israel, in conjunction with the Council of Young Israel Rabbis in Israel, has prepared this guidebook to help each rav on the climb from the base camp, beginning with Chodesh Elul, to reach the summit of a shanah tovah u’metukah.

Thank you to Rabbi Chaim Wasserman, Co-President of the Council of Young Israel Rabbis in Israel, Editor of The Rabbi’s Letter, and Rabbi Emeritus of the Young Israel of Passaic-Clifton for compiling this packet. Thank you to Rabbi Moshe Taub, Marah D’Asrah of Young Israel of Greater Buffalo; Rabbi Dr. David Mescheloff, Rav of Moshav Hemed; Rabbi Shimon Silver, Marah D’Asrah of Young Israel of Greater Pittsburgh; and Rabbi Binyamin Walfish, former Executive Vice President of the RCA for contributing their Chomer L’Drush. Thank you also to Mishpacha Magazine for sharing their article.

We hope you will find this choveret useful in your preparation. Feel free to call upon our office for any additional help we can provide you.

Wishing you, your family, kehillah, and Klal Yisrael a shana tovah u’metukah.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Binymain Hammer

Director, Department of Rabbinic Services