by Michael Crowley



The Hebrew month of Elul, which began this year at sundown on August 14, is known as the “Days of Awe.” These 29 days leading up to the Jewish New Year are meant to serve as a month of spiritual growth and contemplation. Traditionally, every morning of the month, the shofar is blown, to awaken our minds, bodies, and souls, in order to prepare for what many consider to be the holiest days of the year.

Craig Taubman, the Los Angeles-based Jewish singer/songwriter/producer, has come up with a unique way to awaken the spirits of Jews and non-Jews alike during this special time of year. Jewels of Elul is a collection of stories and anecdotes from a group of 29 writers, artists, activists and community leaders, each of whom has centered his or her contribution around the theme of ‘hope and healing’. The 29 pieces, one for each day of Elul, are being compiled into a booklet as well as a website, www.jewelsofelul.com , both available free of charge, where one can read a new ‘Jewel’ each day during Elul.

“We started this project 2 years ago, and each year we’ve managed to reach more and more people”, says Taubman. He partnered with the American Committee for Shaare Zedek Medical Center in the hope of expanding the project even further. “The support we’ve received, from Shaare Zedek and from all of our online partners and sponsors, has really been incredible. This is something that I think has caught on quite well.”

Included in this year’s collection are contributions from the Dalai Lama, Eli Wiesel, the popular musician Matisyahu, Kirk Douglas and Deborah Lipstadt. Each piece manages to stand on its own, but read together, Jewels of Elul is actually a very moving compilation. One particularly heartwarming anecdote comes from an online blogger named Jessica Leigh Lebos. Titled ‘Learning How To Dance’, it tells of a family learning how to support a mother whose mind has begun to lose track of time. The piece has already been posted online on the Jewels Website.

According to Paul Glasser, Executive Director of the American Committee for Shaare Zedek, “People are looking for new and interesting ways to connect with each other. Jewels of Elul is something simple but profound, something that families and friends can share and pass on to others. We are honored to be able to make this availiable to the community”

Jewels of Elul III is available for free online at www.jewelsofelul.com or by calling 1-800-707-9250

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