Elul–Spiritual Preparation

Ani ledodi v'dodi li.

I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine.

So says God, the God who loves us.

And so we are to love God

And to love one another.

The One who will judge us

In forty days

When the book Closes

Will judge in love for us

And also sternly–

"The severe decree"

Justice and mercy

Woven together

Separate strands becoming

The fabric of our lives.

© 2004 Ruth K. Seidman

Ruth Kertzer Seidman
As I contemplate Rosh Hodesh Elul
August 22, 1995, 26 Av 5755