By Miriam Abramovich

It is a universal feeling that Labor Day weekend is a threshold. Kids head back to school; adults shift into early fall routines; we prepare for a new season to begin.

Culturally, we put so much energy into preparing for new beginnings. We make lists, purchase supplies, adjust wardrobes, and try to make sure everyone is not only physically but emotionally ready for a transition. Judaism deeply understands this instinct: meaningful beginnings deserve preparation.

We are in the final week of Elul, just days from Rosh Hashanah, the head of the new year. Jewish tradition does not ask us simply to arrive at the gates of 5787 ready to turn the page on our calendars; it gives us the incredible preceding month of Elul, dedicated time for reflection and preparation.

I learned something recently in my chevruta (Jewish learning partnership) about preparation, which I love. The beginning of Elul through Yom Kippur is a 40-day journey. Jewish tradition connects these days to Moses’ final 40 days on Mount Sinai following the sin of the Golden Calf, culminating on Yom Kippur when he descended with the second set of tablets, a moment associated with forgiveness and renewal.

Again and again, the number 40 appears in Jewish text and tradition as a measure of growth and transformation. Our ancestors wandered for 40 years in the wilderness. Pirkei Avot teaches that it is not until the age of 40 that a person can achieve wisdom and insight (5:21), and the Talmud suggests that a person does not understand the opinion of her/his teacher until after 40 years of study (Avodah Zarah 5b).

Maybe the lesson embedded in the recurrence of the number 40 is that real change takes time. Life is a series of preparations, reflections, mistakes, learning, growth, and beginning again. Rosh Hashanah, therefore, is not a magical reset button. It is part of a lifelong journey towards wholeness and goodness.

As these final days of Elul carry us toward 5787, may we use them well. May we give ourselves time to reflect honestly, to repair what needs repairing, and to prepare with intention for the year ahead.

From my family to all our readers, sending wishes for a Shana Tova U’Metukah, a year of health, sweetness, growth, and goodness.

Miriam Abramovich is the CEO of the Buffalo Jewish Federation.