The Elul Challenge with Rabbi David Baum

Our last podcast for the month! In today's podcast, I share the recent discovery that life was found in this solar system in the unlikelist of places: Venus. Venus was overlooked as a source for life because of its harsh environment. The last day of Elul corresponds to the sixth day of creation. There was a quote in the article I read about this discovery: “Venus has been ignored by NASA for so long. It's really a shame.”That last line really hit me hard - Venus has been ignored by Nasa for so long, it's really a shame. On the sixth day of creation, mammals, reptiles, bugs, birds, and of course, humans - Adam and Eve, were created. That's a lot of life to create in just 24 hours! When there's so much life around us, there's a lot to overlook. For our final challenge - write down three parts of your life that you want to breathe new life into. Keep that list with you all year and challenge yourself to bring life to places you never could expect it. This is our final podcast - thanks for being with us. If you're interested in praying with us, please join us at www.cskboca.org. Have a Happy New Year! Credits: Theme song to Star Trek - https://youtu.be/7NCsVc9R7z0Life on Venus? Astronomers See a Signal in Its Clouds by By Shannon Stirone, Kenneth Chang and Dennis Overbye - https://nyti.ms/35yYjmA

The 28th of Elul corresponds to the fourth day of creation when the heavenly bodies were created - the sun, the moon, and the stars. Our podcast begins with a famous scene from the Lion King, when King Mufasa tells his son Simba what the stars represent to them. What do the stars represent to us according to the Jewish tradition? Today's challenge - go outside with someone you love, a partner or a friend (in person or over the phone) and go outside. Stare at the moon and the stars - what do they teach you? Credits - Scene from the Lion King https://youtu.be/KjKpX-axoBU

On the 27th of Elul, the third day of creation, G!d creates the trees. In today's podcast, I talk about a story you might be familiar with - the Giving Tree, and how we view ourselves as humans in relation to trees and the rest of creation. I touch upon the devastating fires on the West Coast of the U.S. and how climate change is making these fires more and more frequent. Today's challenge - plant a tree or plant, or make plans to create your own garden.

On the second day of creation, which corresponds to the 26th day of Elul, G!d splits the waters of the earth - creating the seas and the skies. Today, due to water scarcity in parts of the world, human beings are being separated from the basic element of life - water. In today's podcast, I speak about the innovations in water conservation that was born in Israel and has been spread throughout the world. Today's challenge - take a swim, when you bathe tonight, try and use less water, learn about water conversation projects by the Jewish National Fund.Credits and sources for further learning:Seth Siegel: How Israelis are helping solve the water crisishttps://youtu.be/zw7hlEmNyKoThe Growing Need for Water Solutions in Israelhttps://youtu.be/DYDw5a52afI

According to Jewish tradition, the 25th of Elul is the anniversary of the first day of creation. G!d's first creation was light, but it wasn't from the sun;it was a supernal or divine light. Jewish mysticism believes that this divine light is actually hidden within each person - it is called the Or HaGanuz - the hidden light. Your challenge today - bring light to someone who needs it. I can't tell you how, that's up to you, but know this - you have the potential to bring God's divine light to someone who needs it. Credits - This Little Light of Mine - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKkbIZtqhyQ&ab_channel=ListenerKids

The 24th Elul is the day before the world was created. In today's episode, I touch upon how our tradition views birth, and the loneliness that mothers feel. Today's challenge - call, write, or text a woman who gave birth in the last six months. Check in on them - let them know they aren't alone.

Our podcast today begins with the famous prayer, the Unetaneh Tokef. "On Rosh Hashanah it is inscribed, and on Yom Kippur it is sealed. How many shall pass away and how many shall be born,Who shall live and who shall die..." It is a prayer about trying to understand the unfathomable nature of the world - it is a prayer where we wrestle with God, God's nature - and this year, the year of the pandemic, when we struggle with why some people live, and some die, this prayer is even more powerful in the time of this pandemic. But do we have some control? That's what this podcast is about - the power to control our destinies. Today's challenge - give tzedakah, often translated as charity, to a cause that can bring justice to the world. Today is also the 19th anniversary of the attacks on 9/11. Here's a site with legitimate charities to help families who suffered and still suffer from the attacks on 9/11. Links - IDF Chief Cantor's Unetaneh Tokef - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyBToUaon2w&ab_channel=IsraelDefenseForces9/11 Charities - https://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=content.view&cpid=490

We are constantly growing, but it's hard to see the growth when you are around those people all the time. We have an obligation to recognize the growth, in ourselves, in others. Today's challenge - share three things that you are grateful for with somebody you are grateful to have in you life.

Singing and Jewish prayer are inextricably connected, and yet, we are in a time when singing in public can be dangerous to our health due to Covid-19. Can Judaism exist without song? In today's podcast, I look at the origins as to why Jews sing - as a response to miracles. Today's Challenge - create a playlist of songs that fills you up - here's a start - a Rosh Hashanah Playlist - https://spoti.fi/3ibdq9uHere's an article to read - 'Without music, would we even be Jewish?' "Women's singing is taboo and so is listening to music in a time of loss – but song is part of every celebration and occasion. Norman Lebrecht explores the history of music and Jews, from King David to Leonard Cohen"https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/mar/01/without-music-would-jews-be-jewish

There's an old joke about a Jewish telegram back in the old days when we still communicated with telegrams instead of Tweets. It read “Start Worrying. Letter to Follow.”When it comes to Jewish identity, our funny bone is nothing to laugh at. According to the Pew Research Report, 42% of Jews say having a good sense of humor is an essential part of their Jewish identity. Only 19% say Jewish law is essential! Why are Jews so funny? Humor comes from pain. Elul and the High Holy Day season can be a very painful time. We are introspective and deal with the darkest aspects of our souls and we confront our own moratlity. But, like our dessert challenge this week, we have to add some sweetness to our lives - we have to laugh. Our challenge for today: Watch a funny movie or television show tonight. Some articles on Jews and Humor - https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/01/books/review/jewish-comedy-serious-history-jeremy-dauber.htmlhttps://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/jewish-jokes/

In today's podcast, I share the first time I experienced Hebrew language like I had never experienced before - on a Coca Cola sign. Hebrew is considered the Jewish people's holy language, but its also the language of the modern state of Israel. It is a language that Jews, no matter where they are from, can connect with each other. Today's challenge - read a line or paragraph in Hebrew. If you don't know Hebrew, take a list to the aleph bet! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzjHjXe-2XU&ab_channel=ShalomSesame

In today's podcast, we look at what happened on the 17th of Elul according to our Sages. On this day, Noah sends the dove from the ark to look for dry land. Elul is a difficult time of introspection. Like the dove, we go back and forth to find change, but we cannot forget to take care of ourselves. In today's episode, we will hear some advice from actors from the hit television show Parks and Recreation. Today's challenge - Treat Yourself! Eat a Dove Ice Cream bar or dessert of your choice. If you can, buy someone else a dessert - treat someone else! Sources - The Jewish Book of Days by Rabbi Jill HammerTreat Yourself! Parks and Recreation - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59lVs4dD4eM&ab_channel=LinksCreativeMedia

In today's podcast, I begin by talking about one of my favorite movies, Defending Your Life, starring Albert Brooks and Meryl Streep. It is a comedy about the afterlife, but it also about how we deal with fear. The Jewish tradition has a lot to say about fear, and how we deal with it. Today's challenge - write down three things that you are scared of, that you fear, and write down the reasons why. What can you learn from your fears and yourself when you articulate them? Check out these scenes from Defending Your Life - it's a perfect movie to watch as you prepare for the High Holy Days. http://j.mp/2nuCq2I

Have you ever saved a life? Think about it. Saving a life, Pikuach Nefesh, is one of the most important mitzvoth, but there are many ways to save lives. Today's challenge - think about ways that you can save a life and put that plan into action. Here are some examples of how Jews are saving lives during Covid-19 and how you can do the same! https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/a-covid-19-mitzvah-orthodox-jews-donate-blood-plasma-by-the-thousands/ar-BB16G0ys

In today's podcast, I attempt to answer a question - what is Torah exactly? I begin with a scene from one of my family's favorite movies, The Frisco Kid, starring Gene Wilder z'l and Harrison Ford. Today's Challenge - Go to www.Sefaria.org and explore - do some learning on your own - at your own pace - you get bonus points for choosing a friend/learning partner (Chevrutah) to study with.

In today's episode, we learn about the sacred obligation to tell our own stories to our descendants and tell the stories of our ancestors to ourselves. Thank you to the Broadway show Hamilton for inspiring today's podcast. Today's challenge - write down three sayings/teachings from a loved one who has passed away and meditate on them for 10 minutes. Bring these words with you to the Yizkor service, the service of remembrance, on Yom Kippur.

Rosh Chodesh Elul, the New Year of the animals - we paid extra special attention to our pets, but what about the animals that we eat? When we think of the Bible, we think of sacrifices- ancient Israel was a really bloody place, but if we look back earlier, we see a different version. There are two points of view that have coexisted within the Jewish tradition down through the centuries: eating meat, and being a vegan. For today's challenge, go meatless on this Monday - eat only vegan foods for a day. Learn more about Judaism and Veganism through https://www.shamayim.us/

In today's episode, I speak about the idea of light and joy, seeking wisdom from our ancient Jewish tradition, and also Marie Kondo and her book, Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up. Click here for an interview with Marie Kondo on tidying up during the pandemic. It's been a dark time for so many, but what has brought you light? Today's challenge: write down three things that gave you light during this summer - if you have time, write down why. Keep this list and bring it with you to your High Holy Day prayer experience."Marie Kondo On Sparking Joy In A Pandemic And The Life-Changing Magic Of Becoming A KonMari Consultant" by Amy Shoenthalhttps://www.forbes.com/sites/amyschoenberger/2020/08/30/mariekondo/#444191945000

During Elul, we prepare ourselves to do very difficult things - like apologizing to those whom we've hurt. The Mishnah teaches us that when we sin before G!d, Yom Kippur atones for us, we get a clean slate, but for the sins between each other, we have to seek that person out, apologize, and make things right. But once we receive the apology, and even if we accept it, can we truly give that person a second chance? Our challenge for today - give someone in your life a second chance.

How many times have you told a friend, I love you? I know, it seems strange, but do we let our platonic friends know that we appreciate them, that we value their support, that we love them? What does Judaism have to say about friendship? Today's challenge - give and receive love - tell a friend that you love them. Some articles on Male FriendshipJudaism and Bromance https://www.bimbam.com/bromance/Articles on Male FriendshipWhy Is It Hard to Make Friends Over 30?By ALEX WILLIAMS - JULY 13, 2012https://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/15/fashion/the-challenge-of-making-friends-as-an-adult.htmlThe Challenges of Male FriendshipsBY JANE E. BRODY JUNE 27, 2016 https://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/06/27/the-challenges-of-male-friendships/Health Benefits Of Bromance: Male Friendships May Help With Stress Management By Promoting Release Of 'Cuddle Hormone'Mar 4, 2016 By Lizette Borreli https://www.medicaldaily.com/health-benefits-stress-management-bromance-376607Can't Guys Just Learn to Fight for a Friendship?By BEN SCHRANK - OCT. 26, 2012https://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/28/fashion/cant-guys-just-learn-to-fight-for-a-friendship.html

There's a famous saying in the Talmud - Kol Israel Areivim Zeh Ba Zeh - Every Jew is responsible for one another. But, are we only responsible for ourselves? In today's podcast, we challenge how we view ourselves as Jews and how we can make a difference for others who are facing genocide. Today's action - contact your representative to stand up for the Rohingya people of Burma through this linkhttps://bit.ly/2FX51rLLearn more about the Rohingya people and their struggle here - https://forward.com/opinion/436207/i-am-a-rohingya-refugee-today-we-seek-justice/Here's an article about my experience with American Jewish World Services in Guatemala in February of 2020 - https://www.sun-sentinel.com/florida-jewish-journal/opinion/fl-jj-opinion-baum-what-does-never-again-mean-20200311-20200302-7cdjiatgvre4npskzobrziveum-story.html

Take a moment and think about this, how do you feel when you are listened to by another? According to psychological research, one of the keys to happiness is being listened to. We were given the gift of communication by G!d, but we rarely think about the gift of listening. Today's challenge - Focus on listening - Call a friend or relative that you haven't checked in with for a while. Don't talk, but listen. Some further reading about listening and happiness - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/happiness-purpose/201406/happiness-others-8-listen-listen-listenClick here for a sermon on listening from Rabbi Baum - http://rabbidavidbaum.blogspot.com/2018/09/the-voice-of-voiceless-rosh-hashanah.html

Take a moment and think about this, how do you feel when you are listened to by another? According to psychological research, one of the keys to happiness is being listened to. We were given the gift of communication by G!d, but we rarely think about the gift of listening. Today's challenge - Focus on listening - Call a friend or relative that you haven't checked in with for a while. Don't talk, but listen.

Like many of you, I started many projects when the pandemic began. Unfortunately, I did not finish a lot of them! According to Jewish tradition, during the month of Elul, Moses was on Mount Sinai alone with G!d. During those 40 days and nights, he worked on his own project: creating the second set of tablets which contained the Ten Commandments (he broke the first set after seeing the incident of the Golden Calf). What can we learn about ourselves from the unfinished works of our hands? Today's challenge - go back to something you began but never finished. Reflect: what held me back? What can I do to help me finish what I started?

Have you ever heard the old adage, dog is a man's best friend? There's a reason for that! Dogs and other domesticated pets can help improve our moods, and even help people overcome addiction. Rosh Hodesh Elul is also considered the New Year of the Animals. Your challenge today - spend some quality time with your pet and donate some tzedakah (charity) to an animal welfare cause.

Listening to the Shofar on this first day of Elul helps us listen to the cries of those who may not have been heard in a long time. Your challenge today - call someone who lost a loved one or friend this year. Send them some strength.