Thank you for joining me, on a 29 days journey as we undertake a “cheshbon nefesh,” “accounting of the soul.” We will ask questions covering 29 traits, or middot one for each day of the month of Elul. 

The Hebrew month of Elul 

The Hebrew month of Elul offers us an opportunity to prepare for the High Holy Days ahead. It is a time of introspection. The Torah inspires us to develop our character, Tikkun Middot, becoming better people by correcting our faults and improving our character.

Elul Self-Reflection #20  Lovingkindness / Chesed

In Pirkei Avot, we learn that “the world stands on three things: on the Torah, on the service of God, and upon acts of chesed.” Chesed involves acts that sustain the other.

What small act of kindness was I once shown that I will never forget?

איזה מעשה חסד קטן הראו לי פעם שלעולם לא אשכח?

During the past year, have you acted to sustain others, whether materially or emotionally?

Have you been able to make the leap from kind thoughts to action?

What is one act of chesed that you have put off? When might you do it?