B”H
Abraham Twerski, a Jewish rabbi and psychiatrist writes, concerning the basic premises of what spirituality means for all human beings, “When people consciously reflect on themselves, they are being spiritual, and when they make a conscious effort to improve themselves, they are being spiritual” (Twerski, The Spiritual Self). This is good to keep in mind for all of us, who will be aware of the deeper import of Rosh HaShannah, as far as our own efforts to improve ourselves are focused upon at this time on the Hebrew calendar.
For myself, I can say nothing very positive concerning my own efforts, so far, during the Hebrew month of Elul to prepare myself for Yom HaDin (the Day of Judgment). How many of us are cognizant of this phrase, denoting another name for Rosh HaShannah? Perhaps, most of us simply think of the Holy Day as the beginning of the new year on the Hebrew calendar. Yet, the significance goes way beyond common conceptions.
This Elul, as well as Rosh HaShannah itself, has the potential to acquire double the impact, than preceding years. With the extra time that may be available for many of us to reflect even more this year, because of the wisdom of sheltering in place as much as possible, we have the opportunity to change ourselves, in direct proportion to the amount of time we are able to cease from external activity, in order to enact heshbon hanefesh (literally, an accounting of the soul).
So, I ask myself, will I be facing the King on Rosh HaShannah in fear and trepidation, feeling as if I did not make the most of my opportunities on a daily basis, during the month of Elul to judge myself and do teshuvah (repentance), ahead of time, so that on Yom Din, I will not be judged disfavorably? Or, will I stand in awe and reverence, before H’Shem on the Day of Judgment, in acknowledgment that I did my best to search my soul, confess my sins, and ask forgiveness, even before approaching Him, when the court is in session?